This content was created by Robert Siciliano. This content was uploaded by Robert Siciliano. This is a YouTube interview/news segment titled "ATM Machines Hacked Identity Theft Speaker Expert www.IDTheftSecurity.com" (created 2008-07-03T04:28:25Z). The clip features a host (Speaker A) interviewing Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, about a case of hackers stealing ATM PINs and draining bank accounts (including Citibank machines at 7-Eleven). Siciliano explains how ATM/online-banking systems can be compromised and gives practical advice: use bank-branch ATMs rather than convenience-store machines, monitor statements closely for unauthorized charges, and prefer credit cards over debit cards to limit direct bank-account losses.
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Alright, to another trial. A group of hackers accused of stealing PIN codes at ATM machines. They're draining millions from bank accounts. They hit Citibank machines at 7-Eleven stores. What and who could hackers hit next? Robert Siciliano is the CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and he joins me now to talk about this story. I mean, what's happening here? Should I be worried now every time I go to an ATM machine?
You should always be worried every time you use your credit card and your debit card. You should always pay close attention to your statements every single month, making sure that there aren't any unauthorized charges, because the fact of the matter is, is the technology out there for online banking, for ATMs and so forth, it can be compromised one way or the other. Nothing is 100% secure, and you as the individual, you as the cardholder, need to pay close attention to your statements, making sure there aren't any unauthorized charges.
All right, so the key tip here, tip number one, One is don't use an ATM machine at a convenience store. Stick to an ATM machine where it's your local bank.
I'm a big believer in going right to that bank branch, you know, right where you— that familiar ATM machine where you know security is in mind. I mean, do you really think that the clerk behind the counter at the gas station or at the 7-Eleven is paying attention to the security of that ATM machine? You really need to use ATM machines where you are confident that security is at its utmost.
And I understand as well, great point here, pay attention to your statements. I mean, we have a tendency to kind of throw those statements in the mail or put them in a file. You say take a look because you may see some unusual activity.
Listen, what's happening is hackers are infiltrating the infrastructure of the ATM system, which is based on Microsoft's operating system. Microsoft's software is the most hacked software on the planet. So it's just a matter of time until the local ATM machine is going to get hacked, so you really need to pay close attention to your statements, making sure that there aren't any unauthorized charges.
All right, the other thing you say is use a credit card as opposed to a debit card when you're making purchases. Tell me about that.
The real— the reason is, is because if, if that information is compromised, it is the information of the credit card companies compromised, meaning that it's not the direct money out of your bank. If your debit card is compromised, that's money out of your bank account. If it is the credit card, well, it's their problem. As long as you're paying attention your statements, as long as you refute those charges within a 60-day period of time, then they have zero liability policies where you're not going to be responsible for those unauthorized charges.
All right, Robert Siciliano, great advice and tips. Thanks so much for joining us.
