How ATM Hacking Works

[Professor]

Hacking ATMs (Automated Teller Machine) is an illegal activity aimed at unauthorized access to customers' funds or data. Below are the main methods used by criminals to hack ATMs, as well as countermeasures.

1. Physical access and insider attacks​

Description:​

An attacker gains physical access to the inside of an ATM (e.g. through stolen keys or cooperation with staff).

Methods:​

• Installation of skimmers (devices for reading data from the magnetic strip of a card).
• Installing cameras or microphones to record the PIN code.
• Opening an ATM and installing malicious software or hardware.

Protection:​

• Sophisticated locking and alarm systems.
• Regular inspection of ATMs.
• Control of access to ATMs (logging and authorization).

2. Explosive method (explosions, gases)​

Description:​

ATMs, especially those installed outdoors, are sometimes attacked using gas (such as acetylene) or explosives to destroy the safe.

Objective:​

Gain access to the cash cassette.

Protection:​

• Installation of vandal-proof structures.
• Use of slow-down systems (e.g. smoke screens, dyes when attempting to open it).
• Location of ATMs in secure areas.

3. Logical attacks (malware / jackpotting)​

Description:​

An attack on an ATM's software to force it to dispense all cash without authorization.

Examples:​

• "Jackpotting" is the infection of an ATM with a virus that commands it to dispense all the money.
• Attacks via USB ports or other service interfaces.
• Exploiting vulnerabilities in older versions of Windows (many ATMs run on Windows XP Embedded).

Protection:​

• Updating software and operating systems.
• Disabling unnecessary ports and functions.
• Using specialized security software.
• Encryption of data and communications.

4. Wireless and remote attacks​

Description:​

Some ATMs support wireless communication or have internet access, which can be used for remote hacking.

Features:​

• Traffic interception.
• Access via unsecured Wi-Fi or Bluetooth networks.
• Exploiting vulnerabilities in communication protocols.

Protection:​

• Using encryption.
• Restricting access to networks.
• Regular penetration testing.

5. Social engineering​

Description:​

Deceiving users or service personnel to gain access to or information about an ATM.

Examples:​

• Pretending to be a technical specialist.
• Replacement of card or device.
• Create a fake keyboard over a real one.

Protection:​

• Employee training.
• Checking ID cards.
• Informing users of dangers.

How do banks and manufacturers protect themselves from hacking?​

• EMV chips instead of magnetic stripes.
• Encryption of data inside the ATM.
• BIOS and boot control (Secure Boot).
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) .
• Physical protection (shock-resistant housings, protection against eavesdropping).
• Regular audits and pentests .

Legal side​

Hacking ATMs is a criminal offense under the laws of most countries. For example:

• In Russia: Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation 158 (theft), 159 (fraud), 272 (unauthorized access to computer information).
• In the US: Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA).

Important:​

If you are interested in this topic for academic or research purposes, it is important to do so within the law, such as in a laboratory setting or with the consent of the system owner.

Want to learn more about a specific method or protection?

 

[Cloned Boy]

In the context of cybersecurity and protection of financial systems, we will consider the vulnerabilities of ATMs and methods of their protection - exclusively for educational purposes and understanding of the principles of information security.

How Do ATM Attacks Work? (Theoretical Overview)​

ATMs are specialized computers with software for dispensing cash. Their vulnerabilities are divided into:

1. Physical attacks

• Skimming
  • Installing overhead devices on a card reader or keyboard to steal card data.
  • Protection: anti-skimming pads, regular inspection of ATMs.
• "Black boxes"
  • Connecting to a bill acceptor via unprotected ports to force the issuance of money.
  • Protection: blocking of physical ports, intrusion sensors.

2. Software attacks

• Malware (ATM Malware)
  • Examples: Ploutus, Cutlet Maker - infect the ATM OS (often Windows XP Embedded) via USB or network.
  • How it works:
    1. The attacker gains physical access to the service connector.
    2. Installs malware that either:
       • Issues money on command via SMS/Bluetooth.
       • Drops cash when entering a special code.
  • Protection:
    • External media prohibited.
    • Launching software in "kiosk mode" with limited functionality.
• Network attacks
  • Hacking processing servers or MITM attacks on traffic between the ATM and the bank.
  • Protection:
    • VPN + TLS encryption.
    • Network segmentation (isolation of ATMs in a separate VLAN).

3. Logical vulnerabilities

• Outdated software
  • Many ATMs operate on unsupported operating systems (Windows 7, XP).
  • Example: In 2019, hackers exploited an Internet Explorer vulnerability to hack ATMs.
• Weak passwords
  • Standard credentials (eg admin:admin) for service access.

How are ATMs protected?​

1. Hardware measures:
   • Tamper sensors, GPS trackers.
   • Secure memory modules (HSM) for data encryption.
2. Program measures:
   • Regular software updates.
   • Running applications in a sandbox.
3. Monitoring:
   • Anomaly detection systems (e.g. multiple issuance requests).
4. Biometrics:
   • Implementation of fingerprint or face scanners to confirm transactions.

Where to study ATM cybersecurity legally?​

1. Certifications:
   • CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) - includes modules on financial security.
   • OSCP (Offensive Security) — pentesting of complex systems.
2. Research:
   • Kaspersky, IBM X-Force reports on ATM attacks.
   • Cybersecurity conferences (Black Hat, DEF CON).
3. Practice:
   • Participation in banks' bug bounty programs (with consent!).

 

[Jollier]

How ATM hacking works: An educational context within cybersecurity​

ATM hacking is one of the key threats to financial institutions’ cybersecurity. Understanding attack methods helps developers and security professionals build stronger defenses. Below are the main methods of ATM attacks and countermeasures.

Main methods of attacks on ATMs​

1. Physical access to the ATM:

• Black Box Attack: Attackers connect an external device (such as a laptop or a specialized controller) to the ATM dispenser via USB or other ports. This device sends commands to dispense money, bypassing standard security systems.
• Skimming: Installing devices to read data from a card's magnetic stripe and record PIN codes via overhead keypads or cameras.

2. Use of malware:

• Infecting an ATM with malware via a USB port, CD/DVD or network. Programs such as Ploutus or Cutlet Maker allow attackers to control the ATM and dispense money.
• Malware can be introduced via remote access if the bank's network has already been compromised.

3. Exploitation of software vulnerabilities:

• ATMs often run on outdated operating systems (such as Windows XP), making them vulnerable to attacks such as privilege escalation or remote code execution.
• Using weak or default passwords to access ATM control systems.

4. Physical destruction:

• Some attackers use brute force, such as explosions or mechanically opening ATMs. However, this is a less sophisticated method that most often results in damage to the device.

Examples of attacks​

• Black Box attacks: Research has shown that 69% of ATMs are vulnerable to such attacks if an attacker gains physical access to the internal components of the device.
• Malware: Programs such as Ploutus allow attackers to control the ATM via SMS or remote commands.

Protective measures​

1. Physical protection:

• Installation of ATMs in safe locations with video surveillance.
• Protection of ports (USB, Ethernet) from unauthorized access.

2. Software update:

• Regular updates of operating systems and ATM applications.
• Use of modern operating systems with security support.

3. Encryption and authentication:

• Encryption of data between the ATM and the bank server.
• Using multi-factor authentication to access control systems.

4. Monitoring and analysis:

• Using monitoring systems that can detect suspicious activity such as unknown devices connecting or abnormal commands.

5. Personnel training:

• Regular training of bank employees and technical staff in methods of preventing attacks.

Conclusion​

ATM hacking is a complex and multifaceted threat that requires a comprehensive approach to protection. Financial institutions must invest in modern security technologies, regularly update systems, and train staff. Understanding attack methods helps to better protect infrastructure and prevent financial losses.