Amazingly Tamper-Friendly Machines

http://www.news.com/Windows-based-cash-machines-easily-hacked/2100-7349_3-6233030.html

By now you probably realize no data is safe from hackers, no matter where it may be stored.
However, hacking into ATMs, which in simpler times consisted of simply attaching one end of a strong rope to the machine and the other end to a truck and then hauling the whole thing off, has now become a fine art.

ATMs (esp in the UK) are supposedly highly vulnerable - essentially because they are nothing but wintel machines, networked with other wintel machines, and specifically built to perform one function - manage the transfer of money (and charge you sky-high fees while at it).

As the article discusses quite clearly, it's not so difficult getting into one of these black boxes and electronically heave away any $$ - leaving probably no traces of any kind.

Solutions? The article says (and I quote):
" It says the most effective way to protect against these new threats is to use a multifunction device with routing, firewall, intrusion detection system/intrusion prevention system and VPN (virtual private network) capabilities, positioned in front of, and protecting, the ATM network."

What got me? The fact that only the PIN was encrypted - everything else was plain text, EVERYTHING else. Talk about an open invitation to network fiends.

Best solution - don't use one of these things; just pay cash or use credit cards if you must.