MANIPULATION OF AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES2

MANIPULATION OF AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES2

Manipulation of automated teller machine2 refers to various illegal activities aimed to compromise automated teller machine (ATM) to gain an unauthorized access and steal money or data. These activities can take various forms and techniques, often involving criminal intent. Check out what is an ATM and how it work on investopedia and with info tech ,tech at your door step.

The rate of ATM manipulation is alarming

MANIPULATION OF AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES2

ATM cracking and manipulation of automated teller machines is becoming rampant. Gone are the days where a hacker will approach a ATM machine and stuck down one of the keys with a pin like object, broom or candle wax so that victim can insert his or her card and after transaction the card and cash get hooked inside the machine Only for the fraudster to come over and remove the object for the cash and card to come out Another obsolete step is to search for the manufacturer of an ATM machine, and identify the default password of the machine.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Electronic Card

MANIPULATION OF AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES2

An electronic plastic card with embedded micro chips to communicate with the teller machine to ease withdrawal outside the bank.

An ATM card is then manufactured or even ordinary plastic ID card could work things The fake card is assumed to be the ATM master or default card that accompanies it from the company Once inserted on the machine the machine requested for pin and the attacker will insert the default password and take control of the machine. Those tricks hardly work today Attackers now use advanced technical skills to manipulate the machine and take control. For criminals, the interesting parts of an ATM include the computer, network equipment, and main peripherals (card reader and cash dispenser) An attack on these components could enable intercepting card data, interfering with transaction processing by the processing center, or telling the dispenser to issue cash. For such attacks the criminals require physical access to the cabinet of the ATM or a connection to the network on which the ATM is located.

Reason for Automated Teller Machine Manipulation (ATM)

MANIPULATION OF AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES2

• Financial Gain: Criminals manipulate ATMs primarily to steal money. They employ various techniques, such as card skimming, cash trapping, or jackpotting, to access the funds stored within the ATM or to steal card information, which they can later use for unauthorized transactions or identity theft.
• Anonymity: ATMs provide a degree of anonymity for criminals, making it challenging for law enforcement to track their activities. This anonymity can make ATMs an attractive target for those engaged in illegal financial activities.
• Lack of Security: Some ATMs, especially older or less-secure models, may have vulnerabilities that make them easier targets for manipulation. Criminals often exploit these weaknesses to compromise the ATM’s security.
• Ease of Access: ATMs are accessible to the public 24/7, making them convenient targets for criminals looking to commit theft or fraud outside of regular banking hours.
• Technological Sophistication: Criminals with technical knowledge can manipulate ATMs using various methods, such as malware or electronic devices. As ATMs have become more technologically advanced, criminals have adapted their methods to exploit these systems.

Security Measures to overcome the manipulation of automated teller machine (ATM)

MANIPULATION OF AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES2

1. Physical Security Enhancements:
   • Secure ATM Enclosures: ATMs should be housed in robust, tamper-resistant enclosures, making it difficult for criminals to access internal components.
   • Tamper-Evident Seals: Apply tamper-evident seals to access points, including card readers and cash dispensers. These seals will show visible signs of tampering if breached.
   • Reinforced Locks and Safes: Install high-quality locks and safes to protect cash cassettes and other sensitive components.
2. Surveillance and Monitoring:
   • CCTV Cameras: Deploy surveillance cameras both inside and outside ATM locations to record all transactions and monitor suspicious activity.
   • Remote Monitoring: Implement real-time remote monitoring systems that can detect anomalies in ATM behavior and send alerts to security personnel.
3. Access Control:
   • Restricted Access: Limit physical access to ATM components to authorized personnel only. Use secure access protocols, such as key cards or biometric authentication.
   • Timed Access: Schedule ATM access times, allowing maintenance and replenishment only during specified hours.
4. Anti-Skimming Technology:
   • EMV Chip Technology: Upgrade ATMs to support EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) chip card technology, which provides better protection against card skimming.
   • Anti-Skimming Devices: Install anti-skimming devices that can detect and prevent the attachment of skimming devices to the card reader.
5. Regular Maintenance and Inspection:
   • Routine Audits: Conduct regular audits and inspections of ATMs to check for signs of tampering or unauthorized access.
   • Software Updates: Keep ATM software and operating systems up to date to patch known vulnerabilities and protect against malware attacks.

Inconclusion

Beware of manipulation of automated teller machine (ATM) which could lead to loss of individual ,company and    organization funds and it can run down a financial institution to bankruptcy.