Identity Theft News

ATM scams spotted by Defcon hackers

Monday, August 3, 2009

Scammers hoping to score cash off of unsuspecting ATM users at hotels in Las Vegas may have underestimated their targets this time: hackers in town for the Defcon cybersecurity conference this week spotted the data-swiping machines and reported them to authorities.

According to IDG News Service, hackers spotted one fake ATM last week at the Riviera Hotel because it didn't look right and discovered that the ATM was a shell with a PC hidden behind the screen for stealing PINs and card numbers for cloning bank cards.

Then, this weekend, Defcon presenter and credit card and identity theft expert Chris Paget tried to withdraw money from an ATM at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, when he noticed that his account was debited but no money came out, IDG News reported.

Paget notified hotel security and law enforcement along with the ATM vendor, saying the machine could have been infected by malware designed to prevent it from dispensing cash, which could later be picked up by an insider.

The Secret Service was investigating the ATM at the Rio hotel, IDG News reported.

A security expert had been scheduled to give a talk at Defcon on a security flaw in a type of ATM that could allow scammers to hijack the machines, but the talk was canceled when the ATM vendor threatened legal action.ADNFCR-1765-ID-19293711-ADNFCR

Related News:

Threat of identity theft shows need for online security - 11.19.2009
As Americans live increasingly large portions of their lives on the internet, the possibilities and incentives for remote identity theft increase as well. A report in the New York Times advises caution, and gives tips for constructing an "online bulwark" to prevent theft and fraud.

Wi-Fi network security vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks on smart phones - 11.16.2009
Researchers last week revealed a weakness in mobile network security that could allow for so-called "man-in-the-middle" techniques to steal personal information from users of certain types of mobile phones.

FDIC warns banks of money transfer 'mules' duped by cybercriminals - 11.2.2009
In a new warning to banks about illicit electronic fund transfers, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) said last week that online bank account theft is rising using "money mules," unwitting job-seekers who are duped by cyber crooks into wiring funds from hacked bank accounts.

Obama addresses cybersecurity awareness in YouTube video - 10.21.2009
Online cyber attacks and identity theft have never been higher, a threat environment that challenges U.S. security every day. President Obama has designated October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which he addressed in a web video last week.

Facebook application security hole exposes millions to hacking, researcher says - 10.19.2009
A security researcher is warning Facebook users about potential vulnerabilities in Facebook applications that could allow cross-site scripting (XSS) hacker attacks for hijacking user accounts.
View Related Resources
Or
Watch an Online Demo
Or
Have us call you now