News

Coming our way: A new kind of ATM skimmer

July 10, 2014

In the synopsis of its latest report, the European ATM Security Team referred to a "new mini skimmer" found in Europe for the first time.

Although the device has only been reported by one country so far, it's just a matter of time (and not much, at that) before it shows up in the U.S., along with counterfeit cards striped with data skimmed in Europe.

But perhaps "shows up" is the wrong expression, since this skimmer is extremely difficult to detect. On his blog, Krebs on Security, Brian Krebs wrote that the new, wafer-thin device is different from others in that it is placed inside the card reader and not over it. (Krebs has pictures of the device posted, as well.)

The device is specifically designed for use in certain models made by NCR Corp. While the mini skimmer records data from cards inserted into the machine, a pinhole camera captures video of their PIN numbers. This component and the battery that powers it are concealed inside a fake fascia cover applied next to the PIN pad.

Krebs reported that another new slimline skimmer was found in the same country on a Wincor Nixdorf cash machine.

Diebold Inc. and Wincor Nixdorf announced just this week the formation of a new ATM security association intended to bring together ATM vendors, suppliers and others in the industry to share information — including information about security threats such as these newly discovered skimmers — in order to quickly develop solutions to combat them.

Included In This Story

---

Diebold Nixdorf

As a global technology leader and innovative services provider, Diebold Nixdorf delivers the solutions that enable financial institutions to improve efficiencies, protect assets and better serve consumers.

Request Info

Learn More