Hackers can steal money from ATMs by sending them a text message

TECHi's Author Jesseb Shiloh
Opposing Author Computerworld Read Source Article
Last Updated
TECHi's Take
Jesseb Shiloh
Jesseb Shiloh
  • Words 63
  • Estimated Read 1 min

When you think of hackers hacking ATMs, you probably envision them holding tools that plugs into the ATM, or perhaps create ATM card skimmers that lets them steal account information and passwords. Well in a surprising hack discovered by security vendor, Symantec, it seems that hackers have found a way to make a certain type of ATM spew out cash via text message.

Computerworld

Computerworld

  • Words 130
  • Estimated Read 1 min
Read Article

A group of enterprising cybercriminals has figured out how to get cash from a certain type of ATM — by text message. The latest development was spotted by security vendor Symantec, which has periodically written about a type of malicious software it calls “Ploutus” that first appeared in Mexico. The malware is engineered to plunder a certain type of standalone ATM, which Symantec has not identified. The company obtained one of the ATMs to carry out a test of how Ploutus works, but it doesn’t show a brand name. Ploutus isn’t the easiest piece of malware to install, as cybercriminals need to have access to the machine. That’s probably why cybercriminals are targeting standalone ATMs, as it is easy to get access to all parts of the machine.

Source

NOTE: TECHi Two-Takes are the stories we have chosen from the web along with a little bit of our opinion in a paragraph. Please check the original story in the Source Button below.

Balanced Perspective

TECHi weighs both sides before reaching a conclusion.

TECHi’s editorial take above outlines the reasoning that supports this position.

More Two Takes from Computerworld

Four months in and net neutrality hasn’t stifled broadband investment
Four months in and net neutrality hasn’t stifled broadband investment

It's been four months since the FCC passed its net neutrality rules, and broadband investment still hasn't suffered. Many opponents…

Microsoft loses money for every smartphone it sells
Microsoft loses money for every smartphone it sells

Microsoft doesn't have a good track record with making money on its hardware, which isn't necessarily a bad thing considering…

Cisco tries to avoid the NSA by shipping equipment to weird places
Cisco tries to avoid the NSA by shipping equipment to weird places

Lets say the American government is interested in spying on you and, while you're pretty sure the company you're getting…

The Tor Network is anticipating a possible attack from law enforcement
The Tor Network is anticipating a possible attack from law enforcement

On Friday, a post on the Tor Project's blog sent out an alarming message: "The Tor Project has learned that…