Cyber Risks · Krebs on Security

Skimmer Innovation: ‘Wiretapping’ ATMs

Summary: Banks in two European countries have reported ATM attacks in which thieves cut a small hole in the fascia around the card reader, inserted a device connected internally to the card reader, and covered the hole with a fake decal. According to the European ATM Security Team, which represents banks in 29 countries, the tap attaches to the pre-read head or read head of the card reader and intercepts card data rather than skimming the magnetic stripe directly.

Bottom line: This attack leaves no overlay on the card slot for a customer or inspector to spot, so the compromise is only visible as a patched decal and a hole in the fascia. EAST's report also describes insert transmitter skimmers that store no data and instead transmit it to a receiver placed less than 1 meter from the ATM, with an internal battery lasting one to two weeks.

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Topics
Data Breaches
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