About Us | Contact Us
View Cart

New Exploits Turn ATM Hacking Into a Game

By Vigilize | Monday, February 25, 2019 - Leave a Comment

Hackers are getting unusually creative in their attacks…


An article review.


ServIcons_ITAudit_01

One drawback of limiting the scope of our annual review articles (the M-7, T-7 and R-7) to seven items is that we don’t always get to include every subject we’d like to. Luckily we had our friend Wes Pollard to point out a great article on a creative new element in a familiar subject: ATM hacking.

While computer viruses have often included creative elements beyond their destructive payload, typically ATM attacks have remained strictly utilitarian–they’re just tools used by professional criminals after all. So it was surprising when several new attacks were discovered in the wild which incorporate game-like elements, including one that effectively turned the ATM into a slot machine.

Experts have speculated the shift could indicate that the creators of the attacks have become confident enough in the basic functionality of the malware that they can focus on less important aspects. The change in attack styles could also indicate a new group of authors, outside of the more professional and secretive organizations that are typically involved in ATM theft.

Another indication that different individuals or organizations may now be involved is where researchers found these latest attacks: they were listed for sale on the dark web. In the past ATM malware wasn’t widely distributed or advertised openly, and the listing of such attacks for sale can only mean that ATM hacking is now within the reach of a much larger, less skilled group of would-be criminals…meaning this is one trend that isn’t likely to go away any time soon.


Original article by Brian Barrett, writing for Wired.


same_strip_012513


 

Latest News
    Endpoint Detection and Response and You Webinar-Video In this webinar-Video, we will discuss the advantages, considerations, pricing, and configuration concerns when adding Endpoint Detection and Response to your security posture. If you are using a traditional Anti-Virus/Malware solution, you’ll want to consider adding or replacing it with a comprehensive EDR/XDR/MDR solution for the most bang […]
    R7: 2023’s Top Seven Technology Risks Webinar-Video What are the top seven risks your board should know about in 2023? Since 2006, Dan has been compiling a list of the “top seven risks small institutions are facing,” in preparation for his board presentations. This webinar will present the 2023 list in a manner that you […]
    PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BUSINESS NEWS NEW EMPLOYEE FOR INFOTEX We are excited to announce the addition of William Summers to our team as our new Data Security Analyst. William brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization, and we are confident that he will be an invaluable asset in helping us reach […]
    Yes, the CISO of the Starship Enterprise On AI replacing the business of cybersecurity. Another one of those Dan’s New Leaf Posts, meant to inspire thought about IT Governance . . . . From time to time, my friends from high school, and even some from college, who have a minimal understanding of the cybersecurity […]
    Artificial intelligence carries risk, but so does organic ignorance … Another one of those Dan’s New Leaf Posts, meant to inspire thought about IT Governance . . . . At a recent conference, I noticed two camps emerging in the debate over artificial intelligence. Some people embrace AI as a tool, while others support Elon […]
    PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BUSINESS NEWS NEW EMPLOYEE FOR INFOTEX We are pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan Taylor as our new Network Administrator at infotex.  “We are very excited to have Nathan join our team as a Network Administrator and look forward to his contributions to maintaining and improving our infrastructure!” […]
    about artificial intelligence . . . And who will protect us from it . . .  Another one of those Dan’s New Leaf Posts, meant to inspire thought about IT Governance . . . . Just watched some press on the the Senate hearings over regulating AI. The normal senator faces, Sam Altman of OpenAI, […]
    The Evolution of an Inside Term Used in our Vendor Risk Report Another one of those Dan’s New Leaf Posts, meant to inspire thought about IT Governance . . . . Those who audit infotex know that our vendor risk report refers to a couple of our providers as “ransomware companies.” This reference started evolving […]
    Another awareness poster for YOUR customers (and users). Now that we have our own employees aware, maybe it’s time to start posting content for our customers! Check out posters.infotex.com for the whole collection! Download the large versions here: Awareness Poster (Portrait) Awareness Poster (Landscape) You are welcome to print out and distribute this around your […]
    New tools could allow unskilled attackers to launch increasingly sophisticated attacks… An article review. Imagine a world where you receive a call from your boss asking you to assist them with something… only it’s not your boss, but an AI being used by an attacker.  This isn’t science fiction, it’s an actual attack that has […]