ATM hacking no threat to banking network, says deputy minister – Bernama

The banking network especially the Internet banking system in the country is still secure as the ATM hacking cases only involved individual machines.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (pic) said the cases did not compromise the banking computer network system.

"I am confident our banking network system is still secure, and the people need not worry," he told reporters after a National Warriors Service Medal Award presentation in Malacca today.

A total of 70 former policemen and home guards received the National Warriors Service Medal from Malacca Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob at a ceremony which was also attended by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

A total of 17 ATMs were believed hacked by a Latin American syndicate at bank branches in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka and Johor Baru last week.

Wan Junaidi said police had also identified only a certain type of ATM was involved in the case and would be informing the banks to replace the machines.

"We believe the group targeted only a certain type of machine which could be hacked and infected with virus... we are keeping the identity of the machine secret for security reasons," he said.

He said police have identified the suspects involved through closed circuit television recordings at the banks but had yet to make any arrests.

"We are confident the suspects are still in Malaysia and we will cooperate with all parties including the immigration to track them down," he said.

Wan Junaidi said investigations found the thefts were carried out by two to three groups and police were still probing if they were operating under one syndicate.

He said the incident was similar to an ATM hacking case in an airport area in the 1990s. – Bernama, September 30, 2014.