'Jackpotting' Attacks Targeting ATMs Make Their Way To US

A new kind of cyberattack on ATMs that forces the machines to dispense huge volumes of cash has made its way to the United States, according to the U.S. Secret Service. The attack is known as "jackpotting" and the Secret Service issued warnings to financial institutions about the cyberattacks earlier this week.

The Secret Service says "jackpotting" is a sophisticated crime in which thieves install malicious software or hardware at ATMs and the crime requires perpetrators to gain physical access to the ATM to install the malware, specialized electronics or both. Stand-alone ATMs located in pharmacies, big box retailers and drive thru ATMs are especially at risk, according to the Secret Service.

The agency said it received credible information about planned "jackpotting" in the U.S. and along with financial institutions, the agency also warned law enforcement partners of the attacks. According to CNN Money, at least six such attacks have taken place within the last week and the locations of such attacks range from New England, the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf region.

According to Krebs On Security, ATM makers NCR Corp. and Diebold Nixdorf both issued alerts to customers warning of the attacks. Krebs also reported that thieves appear to be targeting Opteva 500 and 700 series ATMs made by Dielbold in a series of coordinated attacks over the past 10 days.

A confidential Secret Service alert reviewed by Krebs said attackers typically use an endoscope to locate the internal portion of the cash machine where they can attach a cord that allows them to sync their laptop with the ATM's computer. The ATM is then controlled by attackers and will appear out of service to customers, the alert says, according to Krebs. The attackers installing the malware then contact co-conspirators who can remotely control the ATMs.

According to the Secret Service, attackers can be individual suspects or large organized groups.

The attack has previously been reported in Europe and Asia, according to Krebs.

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