CC Processor May Be Source of Bank Hacks

"Credit-card processor Heartland Payment Systems said today that global hackers penetrated its system and compromised data, but added that it has contained the threat.

"The Mercer County-based company provides credit, debit and prepaid card processing; payroll; check management; and payments services to more than 250,000 business locations nationwide.

"`We found evidence of an intrusion last week and immediately notified federal law enforcement officials, as well as the card brands,` said Robert H.B. Baldwin Jr., Heartland chief financial officer. `We understand that this incident may be the result of a widespread global cyberfraud operation, and we are cooperating closely with the United States Secret Service and Department of Justice.`

"Heartland discovered the breach after Visa and MasterCard advised the company of suspicious activity surrounding processed credit card transactions...

"Heartland also set up a Web site, www.2008breach.com, to provide information about the incident."

From NJBIZ...