There are many threats that can jeopardize the security of our devices. Many types of malware and dangers that lurk when we surf the net. Luckily we also have at our disposal a wide range of tools that protect us. In this article we are going to talk about what RAM Scraper means . It is a type of threat that can jeopardize the security of our devices. Let’s talk about how it acts.
What is RAM Scraper?
RAM Scraper or RAM Scraping is basically malware that affects POS systems when users pay with their card. It is a problem that although it has been present for many years and the terminals have improved security, it has affected millions of users worldwide.
Its operation allows a memory dump of those cards. In this way they can obtain user data, information on bank card information and even their accounts. Something that, as we can imagine, affects both security and privacy.
The RAM Scraper takes advantage of a very short period of time in which they can obtain all the information we mentioned. What they do is register all the information on the card when a person makes the payment. The POS reads the data and stores it for a moment in a random access memory.
That information is accessible for a very short moment. That’s where this type of malware comes into play that collects card information. It is what is known as RAM Scraper. They are designed to be activated at the right time when the payment is made.
All this information is collected in a file silently . There is no physical evidence that something has gone wrong with the payment transaction and neither party can realize it. All of the data it collects is sent to cybercriminals.
Logically, in order to avoid this type of problem, it is very important that the POS managers have them correctly encrypted and secure. It will be vital that they have passwords and change the default settings. It will also be vital to update the device software. Occasionally vulnerabilities may arise that are exploited by hackers to carry out their attacks. It is therefore necessary to have the latest patches and updates available. In this way we can avoid problems.
It is also a good idea to restrict remote access to these POS devices. This will prevent any intruder from accessing them remotely with the necessary knowledge and in case of vulnerabilities.
Our data on the network has great value
We must remember that our data on the network has great value today. We are not only talking about having our card stolen for the purpose of using the money there is, but also of collecting information from the victim. Data such as our name, where we are, what we buy, what bank we use … It is information that can be used by hackers to carry out their attacks.
Let’s take as an example that we have gone shopping at a store with our bank card. They have stolen the information it contains and have been able to find out what our bank is. A hacker could create a Phishing attack aimed at that user and talking about an alleged failure that has occurred in his bank, for example, and that he needs to log in. There he would have an opportunity to steal the credentials of that bank.
User information and data is also very important for spam campaigns. We could end up in a list of emails where to send targeted advertising. Even our data could be sold to third parties.
Ultimately, RAM Scraper is a type of malware that is capable of stealing bank card information and our data when making a payment.