Credit card skimmers, also known as credit card scrapers, are malicious tools designed to secretly collect and steal payment card information, including credit card numbers, expiration dates, and CVV codes.
These skimmers can be physical devices placed on card readers, inserted into point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or target online transactions on websites.
Below, we’ll focus on credit card scrapers used in the context of online attacks.
Online Credit Card Scrapers on Websites
Here are five ways that bad actors target ecommerce websites with credit card skimmers:
| Type | Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Injection Attacks | Attackers use various techniques, such as SQL injection or Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), to inject malicious scripts into a website’s code. | These injected scripts are designed to capture sensitive data entered by users during online transactions, including credit card details. |
| Form Overlay Attacks | Malicious actors use techniques like iframe overlays or other HTML/CSS manipulations to create fake, invisible forms that overlay legitimate payment forms on websites. | When users enter their credit card information, the data is simultaneously captured by the hidden, malicious form. |
| Malicious Browser Extensions | Attackers may create or distribute malicious browser extensions that inject code into web pages, intercepting and stealing user data, including credit card details. | The extensions act as digital credit card skimmers, siphoning off information as users interact with websites. |
| Magecart Attacks | Magecart is a notorious group known for compromising e-commerce websites. They inject skimming code into the checkout pages of websites to capture payment information. | The stolen credit card data is then sent to servers controlled by the attackers for exploitation or resale on the dark web. |
| Third-Party Compromises | Attackers compromise third-party services used by websites, such as payment processing scripts or plugins. | By tampering with or replacing these components, attackers can intercept and collect credit card data as it passes through the compromised services. |
Impact of Online Credit Card Scrapers on Websites
When it comes to ecommerce websites, website owners have an additional layer of scrutiny that comes in the form of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). PCI DSS is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
Here are some of the things you can expect to happen if online credit scrapers are found on your website:
| Financial Loss and Fraud | Stolen credit card information can be used for unauthorized transactions, leading to financial losses for both consumers and businesses. |
| Damage to Reputation | Breaches that result in the theft of customer data can severely damage the reputation of businesses. |
| Compliance Violation | Failing to protect credit card data in accordance with PCI DSS requirements can result in non-compliance. |
| Legal and Financial Consequences | Non-compliance with PCI DSS can lead to legal and financial consequences, including regulatory fines and potential lawsuits from affected parties. |