Brazilian mobile payments platform hacked

Boleto reports that it has been compromised by malicious attack

Brazil’s mobile payments platform Boleto has announced that it has been hacked. The platform is the most popular of its kind in all of Brazil, which has made it a target for malicious groups seeking to exploit financial information. The attack has brought more attention to the issue of mobile commerce security and could have a major impact on whether or not people will participate in mobile commerce in the future.

Some $4 billion has been stolen from Boleto

Boleto notes that the hack occurred over a two year period, with some 500,000 transactions being compromised over that timeframe. An estimated $4 billion in mobile payments has been stolen as the result of the attack. It is still unclear whether or not all of the money involved in the attack has been obtained by the parties involved. Some of the funds may be caught in a sort of digital limbo, waiting to be accessed at a later point in time.

It may take time before money is returned to those affected by the attack

Boleto users were tricked into clicking malicious links sent via email as part of phishing ploys. These links were delivered to several thousand consumers that make use of Boleto somewhat regularly. The attack may affect people’s trust in the platform and in mobile commerce in general. Those affected by the attack may have their money returned, but it could take a significant amount of time for the issue to be adequately resolved.

Mobile commerce security is again thrust into the limelight

Mobile commerce security is an important matter that has yet to see any significant attention from consumers. Platforms like Boleto take steps to ensure the security of the financial information that they are responsible for, but few consumers take the time to ensure that they are adequately protected. Without taking steps to protect themselves, consumers could be exposed to inordinate risks to their financial information. High profile attacks, such as those that have recently targeted prominent mobile platforms and retailers, may be enough to encourage consumers to take security more seriously.