Great article on how they are building ATM skimmers into the boxes now:
The U.S. Secret Service is warning banks and ATM owners about a new technological advance in cash machine skimming known as “periscope skimming,” which involves a specialized skimming probe that connects directly to the ATM’s internal circuit board to steal card data.
According to a non-public alert released to bank industry sources by a financial crimes task force in Connecticut, this is thought to be the first time periscope skimming devices have been detected in the United States. The task force warned that the devices may have the capability to remain powered within the ATM for up to 14 days and can store up to 32,000 card numbers before exhausting the skimmer’s battery strength and data storage capacity…
As I’ve noted in past skimming stories, crooks who specialize in compromising ATMs with malicious software often target stand-alone cash machines that may be easier to access from the top-hat. My advice? Stick to ATMs that are installed in the wall at a bank or otherwise not exposed from the top.
Most importantly, watch out for your own physical safety while using an ATM. Keep your wits about you as you transact in and leave the area, and try to be keenly aware of your immediate surroundings. Use only machines in public, well-lit areas, and avoid ATMs in secluded spots.
When the Apocalypse comes and people are desperate, these types of things will be everywhere. Right now is a good time to familiarize yourself with how to minimize your reliance on newer technologies which can be exploited to separate you from your cash, and how to minimize your risk with the technology you need to use. I would also begin practicing acting as if everyone everywhere is looking to rob you whenever you are out.
Vigilance, like excellence is a habit. Start practicing now.
[…] Secret Service On New Periscope Skimmers […]
There will come a time when being in the presence of something very desirable (cash, precious metals, even food or fuel) will require having a spotter/sniper observing your position, ready to press trigger on anyone stupid enough to approach too closely.
You can’t entirely eliminate the risk of well-planned assaults, but such preparations would mitigate at least some of the opportunistic crime that seems inevitable.