Retail, Grocery, And Hospitality IT News For VARs — August 29, 2014
In the news, there are rumors of a payment platform in the next iPhone. In addition, The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) has updated its warning to retailers advising them on “Backoff” point of sale (POS) malware. In other news, Dairy Queen could be the latest victim of “Backoff,” just at the beginning of an investigation. And a study shows digital coupons use is on the rise and in-store service is the key to a successful digital coupon program.
Will Next iPhone Be A Mobile Wallet?
Wired reports its sources say the next iPhone will feature a payment platform, and the solution will use near field communication (NFC). The article links to patents Apple has filed relating to a mobile wallet, including “how dual wireless protocols like NFC and Bluetooth could be paired to complete a transaction while sensitive data is stored in a ‘secure element’ in the device’s hardware,” and “a payment system that’s location and context aware, offering the user various options (like rewards cards or coupons) when relevant.”
US-CERT Updates Warning About “Backoff” POS Malware
US-CERT has updated its warning on the “Backoff” POS malware. The new release issued Wednesday states, “Over the past year, the Secret Service has responded to network intrusions at numerous businesses throughout the United States that have been impacted by the “Backoff” malware. Seven POS system providers/vendors have confirmed that they have had multiple clients affected. Reporting continues on additional compromised locations, involving private sector entities of all sizes, and the Secret Service currently estimates that over 1,000 U.S. businesses are affected.”
Dairy Queen Faces A Potential Data Breach
A Minnesota-based Dairy Queen is facing a data breach. The company reports it has been notified that it’s customer data could be at risk and is cooperating with authorities, franchise locations, and credit card companies and processors in the investigation.
What’s “The State Of Digital Coupons”?
RetailMeNot, has released findings of a study on how digital coupons are adapting to mobile and omni-channel commerce. The Forrester study found mobile coupon use through tablets and smartphones is increasing, but email is still in the lead as the primary way to deliver digital coupons. The study also concludes digital coupons build loyalty — and in-store customer service is the key to successful redemption and sales.
IT Talking Points
A Forbes article provides this advice: “Going OmniChannel? You Have To Do These 7 Things Well.”
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s
- Retail IT Tech Center
- Grocery and Convenience Store Tech Center
- Hospitality Tech Center