December 02, 2009
-
Restaurants Sue Radiant and Computer World, Pt.2
They really aren't all that cleaver.The hackers weren't really all that cleaver considering the unprotected system was an easy target. After gaining entrance into the debit and credit card payment systems, the hackers installed malware. Malware is short for malicious software, which is designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's knowledge or consent. The malware allowed the hackers to steal the debit and credit card information and send it via email to their site in Romania. The methods to conduct this type of attack by debit and credit card thieves was commonplace over the past four years, however, since the weakness was discovered, industry security standards have mandated that all systems be upgraded to assure complete security. Similar attacks were made against several other restaurant and retailers including Dave & Busters, Hannaford Brothers grocery stores, TJX, Wal-mart and 7-Eleven convenience stores.
A group of plaintiffs, who have suffered undue penalties by credit card companies a result of the breach, had originally filed independent suits in the U.S. District Court in Louisiana earlier this year. However, the court just ruled last week that the plaintiffs could proceed with the suit as a group. Plaintiffs include Crawfish Town USA, Don's Seafood & Steak House, Jone's Creek Cafe, Mel's Diner, Picante's Mexican Restaurant, Sammy's Grill, and a Best Western. The court's decision opens up the door for additional businesses to join the existing plaintiffs in the suit. In a press release, Attorney Shiel Gallagher stated that they wanted other restaurants across the nation to “be aware of the hidden dangers” due to the negligence of technology firms and the “unfair penalties imposed by credit card companies.”
The breach has cost the plaintiffs millions of dollars in fines from credit card companies and other investigative expenses including forensic audits, chargebacks on customers' accounts to cover fraudulent charges, reimbursements to card issuers for expenses incurred to issue new cards. In the suit, the restaurants are seeking full restitution for all expenses.