Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger
A recent survey the ATM fraud is becoming more common. 70% of financial institutions reported an increase in ATM fraud and debit card applications from 2007 to 2008, and these figures should increase further in 2009. Much of this new fraud resulted from recent major data breaches, such as the TJX and Heartland hacks.
Hacking into a database and endanger the numbers and PIN cards is not particularly difficult. It is even easier to affix the material to the front of an ATM machine and skim information from the magnetic strip. Once the data has been compromised, identity thieves clone the cards and turn that data into cash as quickly as possible.
BankInfoSecurity.com recently published "7 Growing Threats to Financial Institutions" In the same vein, here are 7 growing threats for you
- skimming -.. This occurs when the material easy get attached to the front of an ATM. the equipment records the user name, the card number and PIN, and the user rarely notice the scam.
- ghosts vending tickets -. a card reader is blocked and replaced with material that prevents a transaction and records user data
- Dummy ATMs - an ATM is purchased, programmed to record data, and installed whereever there is foot traffic These machines are often found on eBay and is powered by car batteries or plugged into a nearby outlet
- PIN ID -.. sophisticated criminal hackers broke into a database or skim magnetic strips. Then, they use software piracy to connect various PINs commonly used on an online banking site. When the software finds a match, the criminals have access to another account.
- Automated PIN changes - Criminals are using the phone system a PIN changed to a bank customer. They can try to change automatic customer identification number through a system that phone companies use to identify the caller's directory number. This can be achieved through caller ID spoofing, in which criminals use a few pieces of personal information of the cardholder to verify as a bank customer.
- SMS attacks - also known as "SMiShing" or "phexting" these are phishing messages by text message. The texts usually appear to be a bank, asking for the name and the client user's password.
- Malware - Researchers have discovered a virus that specifically infects ATMs, support numbers and PINs and card logs Machine .
So how do you protect yourself? First, attention to your bank statements and refute unauthorized transactions within 30 days. Pay special attention when using an ATM. Look for red flags, such as looking strange configuration on the face of the machine, the son or double adhesive tape, or if your card seems to jam. Do not use any ATM. Choose ATMs in secure locations. Use strong pins. Combine numbers and uppercase and lowercase letters whenever possible. Delete phishing texts or emails immediately. Make sure your Internet security software is up to date, and to invest in identity theft protection. Because when all else fails, it's good to have someone to watch your back.
Robert Siciliano, identity theft speaker, discusses ATM skimming.
Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, an expert on identity theft, professional speaker, security analyst, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 and start-up companies as a consultant on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. the thoughts and advice of Siciliano on all these issues often appear in both television and print media news, including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of safety training as a member of the American Society for Industrial Security. He is the author of two books, including The Safety Minute: Living on high alert; How to take control of your personal safety and to prevent fraud . He also established a partnership with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness of the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips on how you can protect yourself.