* via http://theMezz.com/lists * subscribe at http://techPolice.com
Copyright 2001 Newspaper Publishing PLC STUDENT HACKERS ACCESS BANK COMPUTER CODES Anna Whitney TWO CAMBRIDGE students have designed a computer programme that can hack into banks' security codes, potentially giving access to hundreds of thousands of PIN numbers. The two PhD students showed it is theoretically possible to download confidential financial information, allowing a potential thief access to vast amounts of cash. The students say they plan to put the details on the Internet - hoping it will ensure security is improved. The security breach was revealed in BBC's Newsnight programme last night, showing it was possible to translate the 16-digit number for cash cards. Michael Bond, 22, said: "Banks' approach to security is too closed, they are relying on outdated concepts such as security through obscurity." He said the breach could only be performed by bank staff with access to bank computers. The system involved is based on IBM's 4758 computer used by banks, the military and governments to protect networks - previously thought to be impregnable. Mr Bond and fellow student Richard Clayton used equipment costing less than pounds 750 to download the data. IBM said: "This academic study is based on specific laboratory conditions. In the real world, there are too many physical safeguards and authority protections for such an attack to be successful." ===================================================== Don't miss a programming beat! Sign up now for developerWorks weekly newsletter - tools, code, and tutorials - Java, XML, Linux, Open Source, - everything you need. http://click.topica.com/caaadUJb1dhr0b2EDp2f/developerWorks ===================================================== --via http://techPolice.com archive: http://theMezz.com/cybercrime/archive subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --via http://theMezz.com ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?b1dhr0.b2EDp2 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
