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General discussion

Windows ATMs raise security concerns

Dec 3, 2003 5:05PM PST

After Diebold announced that two financial service providers were forced to shut down and patch Diebold ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines), the growing use of the Windows operating system on ATMs has received greater scrutiny. A number of banks have switched to Windows based ATMs in response to IBM's decision to stop supporting OS/2 by 2006, pressure from MasterCard and Visa to support Triple DES (Data Encryption Standard), and US regulations requiring features for disabled users. Further, Windows, as a general purpose operating systems, offers more flexibility and can speed deployment of new features. However, this general purpose nature also creates more attack vectors for viruses and malicious hackers. ATM vendors Diebold and NCR encourage Windows XP over Unix-based operating systems for newer and legacy ATMs, citing its widespread compatibility with desktops and web applications. ATM vendors are hardening their systems, disabling unnecessary features and ports.

http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/12/02/HNwinatm_1.html

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