Invisible skimmers: a new word in credit card fraud

A device for reading data from credit cards (skimmer) of a new type was discovered in Europe. This is reported in his blog by security specialist Brian Krebs , who received information from the European ATM Security Team , a non-profit organization dedicated to the security of ATMs. Instead of the classic lining scanners, attackers use a small device that fits inside the ATM next to the card slot through a specially drilled hole. After that, the hole is closed with a sticker, with the result that the skimmer is almost impossible to notice.

The skimmer is connected inside the ATM to the card reader and works on the principle of wiretapping. The intruder pulls the wires from the reader through the hole, connects the device to them, and then it interprets the data transmitted by the reader.

Devices for stealing information from cards are becoming more sophisticated, and it is becoming more difficult to notice them. Only this summer, a new type of skimmer was discovered, which is not drawn up as a lining on the slot of the card reader, but is inserted directly inside. It consists of two metal plates, an electronic circuit and a battery, which allows the device to operate autonomously for a couple of weeks. The device does not remember the data, but immediately sends them to the receiver located nearby.
')


In connection with the inexorable movement of progress, it is necessary to observe elementary safety rules - use ATMs in crowded, well-lit places, preferably where there are surveillance cameras. In addition, you should always carefully examine the ATM for the presence of suspicious modifications. And cover your pin-code input with your hand - whatever the skimmer is, fraudsters need to read your pin-code, therefore a video camera must be placed with the skimmer somewhere on or near the ATM.