Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) Computer Risk

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) Computer Risk
A look into the ATM Risk

By Kellep A. Charles
Special to SecurityOrb.com
Published on March 7, 2008, 5:19 AM EST

Automated teller machines (ATMs) are again on the radar of many malicious computer hacking groups. Many ATMs faces the same risk of infection as many of our desktop computers. This is due to the reliance on desktop PC technology and Operating Systems. Greater risk can be attributed to systems being linked to other machines, some connected to the Internet, in the bank's network.

History has shown the weaknesses from 2003 when the Nachi Internet worm infiltrated "secure" networks and infected ATMs from two financial institutions, while the SQL Slammer worm indirectly shut down 13,000 Bank of America ATMs.

Nick Heath of Silicon.com states "It says the most effective way to protect against these new threats is to use a multifunction device with routing, firewall, intrusion detection system/intrusion prevention system and VPN (virtual private network) capabilities, positioned in front of, and protecting, the ATM network.

Such a device, the company said, should be separated from the rest of the bank's network, and all traffic coming out of the ATM should be encrypted."