Starbucks Mobile Payment App Stores Unencrypted Passwords

Starbucks Mobile Payment App Stores Unencrypted Passwords

Starbucks Mobile Payment App Stores Unencrypted PasswordsStanding in line at Starbucks, I frequently see people whipping out their smartphones and scanning them to pay for their specialty coffee beverages and treats via the Starbucks mobile payment app. This, along with friends telling me I should, has almost convinced me to download the app, which would enable me to pay for my addiction directly from my smartphone, too. But, when I found out that this app linked to my bank account, this made me think twice. And, I’m sure glad that I did.

Apparently there is a report circulating in which Starbucks executives admit that the mobile app stores passwords in clear text, with no encryption whatsoever! Simply connect any smartphone with Starbucks’ mobile payment app downloaded onto it to a computer, and anyone can easily retrieve the password from a crash log.

As if that’s not bad enough, as of yesterday, it appeared that Starbucks had no intention of fixing the problem. Starbucks executives told the media that the company has “taken steps to safeguard customers’ information;” however these “steps” haven’t been identified publically. Besides, in order for a criminal to cause any damage, they would need to have physical possession of a user’s smartphone. Now, I don’t know about you, but trying to pry my smartphone from me is like trying to chisel concrete with a metal toothpick! I guess it could happen, but it’s not very likely.

While the Starbucks’ app only risks usernames, passwords and email addresses, moving over to “eating fresh,” Subway’s Ordering for California app stores complete street addresses, credit card info, email address and geolocation of app users in plain text.

Wonder what other fast food apps aren’t encrypted.

ARTICLE UPDATE: Starbucks CIO Curt Gartner issued a press statement saying that although “there is no indication that any customer has been impacted by this or that any information has been compromised” Starbucks will update its mobile payment app.

(Photo Credit: Sean Wandzilak / Shutterstock.com)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

  • Report: Nearly 1 in 5 Healthcare Leaders Say Cyberattacks Have Impacted Patient Care

    Omega Systems, a provider of managed IT and security services, today released new research that reveals the growing impact of cybersecurity challenges on leading healthcare organizations and patient safety. According to the 2025 Healthcare IT Landscape Report, 19% of healthcare leaders say a cyberattack has already disrupted patient care, and more than half (52%) believe a fatal cyber-related incident is inevitable within the next five years. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.