Crooks Hack Taiwan ATMs With 'Smartphone,' No Bank Card, Steal Millions

Hackers, believed to be Russian nationals, stole around $2.2 million from ATMs in Taiwan, possibly using just their smartphones, and fled the country the following day, reports The Register, quoting Taiwanese police. Security camera footage shows the crooks used a connected device, but no bank card, to work several ATM machines of First Bank, say the police.

Craig Young of security tools firm Tripwire says it was likely the First Bank hackers “had installed malware ahead of time, enabling a wireless connection to 'jackpot' the ATMs.” Three malware strains reportedly showed up on the breached machines. He believes a weak wireless service could also allow hackers to access ATMs.

Several banks in Taiwan have suspended their ATM operations while investigation continues.

Read more details on The Register.