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While data hacking is becoming an ever increasing problem in today’s world, restaurateurs have become a favorite target of data thieves. Flimsy firewalls and tight budgets make for an easy target for data hackers to access passwords and get into systems through viruses. Often restaurant owners and operators will put “back office” computers with credit and debit card information on the same server – the same one that is used to surf Facebook or other Internet sites. As a result billions of dollars are stolen from consumers. Today more than 40% of credit card hacks happen within the food service industry. Thieves then sell the stolen financial information, costing restaurant operators millions in fees to credit card companies for the money lost to consumers. This damaging trend is hitting independent restaurants, mom and pop shops, and franchises of big chains alike. Cyber security experts claim that the problem is generally seen more among individual franchisees who generally aren’t getting the tools to protect themselves. Often these smaller businesses are barely making enough to pay wages and insurance, and only make a small profit that often doesn’t go back into the business. As consumers continue to favor credit and debit cards over cash, however, keeping customer information secure is one of the restaurant industry’s biggest priorities. Of course, as news reports have told us, this is not a problem that’s isolated to the restaurant or franchise industry. The New York Times, Coca-Cola Co. and former President George W. Bush have all recently been the victim of cyber-attacks. Experts offer the following tips to help restaurants combat a cyber security breach: Use a separate DSL or cable modem line when offering customers free wireless connections. Wireless networks offer easy access to data thieves. Avoid mixing a general-use computer with a system that holds important financial information. If you have the money, spend some in investing in your technology infrastructure and anti-virus software to prohibit data thieves from getting in the system in the first place. Hacks can be expensive so be sure to have an emergency fund for credit card company fees, attorney retainers and possibly public relations expenses. Often restaurants who have lost customer data want to shy away from the situation. Own up and make it clear what measures are being put in place to avoid the same mistake and reassure customers. For more info, click here
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