With just two more weeks to go before the end of Microsoft's Windows XP support, a new report by Symantec claims hackers are already finding ways to attack ATMs, most of which use the 12 year old OS



From Neowin:

One of those methods is to install a specific malware called Backdoor.Ploutus, which was first discovered in 2013 in Mexico. Hackers used it to get money out of ATMs via an external keyboard. A variant of that software, called Backdoor.Ploutus.B, was later found in early 2014. It has not only been written in the English language but had been modified so that hackers could simply send a SMS command to the infected ATM when another mobile phone connected to it.

Symantec says they were able to replicate this kind of attack in their labs. They claim that protecting older ATMs that still have Windows XP installed from this kind of method will be "more challenging" and offer a number of ways banks can protect their machines, not the least of which is upgrading to Windows 7 or 8. Many banks are already in the middle of their ATM OS upgrade and play to pay Microsoft lots of money to continue to support Windows XP past April 8th until that task is finished.

  Symantec: Hackers already attacking ATMs as Microsofts Windows XP deadline looms