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Researchers Expose New Credit Card Fraud Risk

Posted by kdawson on from the tamper-proof-isn't dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered flaws in the card payment systems used by millions of customers worldwide. Ross Anderson, Saar Drimer, and Steven Murdoch demonstrated how a simple paper clip can be used to capture account numbers and PINs from so-called 'tamper-proof' equipment. In their paper (PDF), they warn how with a little technical skill and off-the-shelf electronics, fraudsters could empty customers' accounts. British television featured a demonstration of the attack on BBC Newsnight."

9 of 219 comments (clear)

  1. Damn you Clippy! by techpawn · · Score: 4, Funny

    Damn you to hell!

    --
    Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what your country did to you
    1. Re:Damn you Clippy! by holyspidoo · · Score: 2, Funny

      "It looks like you're entering your secret PIN. Would you like help?"

      I never should have said yes...

  2. Paper clip? by evil+agent · · Score: 4, Funny

    Ross Anderson, Saar Drimer, and Steven Murdoch demonstrated how a simple paper clip can be used to capture account numbers and PINs

    Hmm, Macgyver must have tipped them off.

    --
    End transmission.
  3. MacGyver by j4s0n · · Score: 2, Funny

    How far you've fallen...

  4. Re:They're looking in the wrong place by Fnord666 · · Score: 4, Funny

    but the problem is that it has to be simple enough for idiots to use.
    Even then someone will just build a better idiot.
    --
    'The tyrant will always find pretext for his tyranny.' - Aesop's Fables
  5. Clippy? Is that you? by bryny · · Score: 3, Funny

    It looks like you are trying to crack an account. Would you like help?

  6. Re:Tough Interview by ettlz · · Score: 4, Funny

    Jeremy Paxman is famed for being incredibly tough on his witnesses (and contestants on University Challenge)
    Yes, but did you threaten to overrule him?
  7. Re:I can build an atomic weapon with a paper clip by Jarjarthejedi · · Score: 2, Funny

    Macguyver wouldn't need the other stuff...just some gum. And you call yourself a nerd...shameful

    --
    There are two kinds of fool One says 'This is old therefore good' Another says 'This is new therefore better'- Dean Ing
  8. Re:Most will for large-ticket items by Dogtanian · · Score: 4, Funny

    While it's true they don't have to do business with you, most stores will accept a $50 rather than lose out on a $55 purchase. Ditto a $100 and lose out on a $101 purchase. They're evidently not that keen. Last time I tried to make a $53 purchase with large-value bills, they refused.

    The cheek of it- my $50 bills are as good as anyone else's! As was the $3 bill...
    --
    "Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).