Ghost Tap: The New Cyber Threat
IThe cybersecurity world is on high alert due to the discovery of a new cyber fraud technique called “Ghost Tap”. This threat uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to transfer money from stolen credit cards through payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Experts at ThreatFabric They have discovered this new methodology that allows criminals to conduct transactions without ever having to show a physical card, using geographically distant accomplices to make the payments.
A cyber weapon derived from academic tools
Hackers have exploited NFCGate, a software originally developed for academic purposes, turning it into a powerful tool to maintain anonymity and bypass traditional fraud systems. This allows them to make purchases in multiple locations at the same time, making it difficult to identify suspicious transactions. Protecting against these attacks requires caution in the use of devices and constant monitoring by financial institutions, which must be ready to detect and block illicit activity.
Operating mode and defense tips
The Ghost Tap technique is explored in detail starting with the theft of credit card data through malware and phishing. This data is then passed through NFCGate to so-called “money mules”, who perform transactions at distant POS terminals, simulating contactless payments. Since the transactions occur in multiple geographical locations without immediately arousing suspicion, institutions must be alerted.
To effectively defend yourself from this threat, experts suggest avoiding suspicious links and unreliable applications, as well as implementing two-factor authentication systems. It is essential to be vigilant about your personal banking activities, monitoring transactions to identify any unusual movements. In case of suspicion, contacting your bank immediately is essential to minimize the risk of fraud. Finally, as indicated by ThreatFabric, collaboration and the continuous evolution of security measures are vital to safeguarding customers' assets against these emerging threats.
Article published on November 29, 2024 - 18:38
This article talks about a new threat called Ghost Tap, which uses NFC for fraud. It is interesting to see how hackers use technologies like NFCGate. We need to be more careful with our cards and monitor our spending.