This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
POS systems impacted by ‘Backoff’ breach
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has put the word out that thousands of large as well as small- and mid-sized businesses have been affected by a malicious point-of-sale software dubbed “Backoff.”
New York--The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has put the word out that thousands of large as well as small- and mid-sized businesses have been affected by a malicious point-of-sale software dubbed “Backoff.”
The agency is encouraging administrators and operators of POS systems to review the Backoff malware alert to determine if their systems have been affected. They said organizations should check for infections, regardless of their size.
Seven POS systems providers and vendors have confirmed security breaches with multiple clients affected and reporting continues on additional compromised locations.
Homeland Security said the Secret Service estimates that more than 1,000 U.S. business have been affected, with additional reports coming in from private-sector entities.
The DHS strongly recommends that organizations contact their IT team, antivirus vendor, managed service provider and/or POS system vendor to assess whether assets might be vulnerable and/or compromised.
Companies that believe they are victim of the Backoff malware should contact their local Secret Service field office and also can contact the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center for additional information at 888-282-0870.
This malware infiltration comes less than a year after Target Corp. told the public that there was unauthorized access to the credit and debit card data of millions of shoppers who made purchases in its stores during the holiday season.
RELATED CONTENT: 40M could be impacted by Target data breach
Target’s announcement affected an estimated 40 million consumers. The Wall Street Journal reported at the time that the theft may have involved tampering with the machines shoppers use to swipe their cards when making a purchase.
The Latest

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.


The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.