'Insiders' May Be Involved In Hacking Of ATMs - Deputy Home Minister

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 2 (Bernama) - The involvement of 'insiders' cannot be dismissed in the ATM hacking at several banks by foreigners, believed to be South Americans. Deputy Home Minister Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the police view the incident from all angles (holistic). "After the CD was inserted in the ATM, the suspects contacted somebody who provided the codes. "I think inside people may be involved. The police will trace them," he said after launching National Registration Day and Innovation Day at the National Registration Department here, Wednesday. A syndicate siphoned over US$920,459 (RM3 million) after hacking into 17 ATMs in states of Johor, Melaka, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur over the weekend. The police and immigration have tightened security at all exit points in the country. In KUALA LUMPUR, Wan Junaidi urged banks to replace their automated teller machines (ATM) and update their software to avoid further hacking. "Banks must stop ATM service until more up dated machines are installed," he told reporters after opening the 12th Asian Crisis Management Conference. Wan Junaidi said police would ensure that the three suspects caught by CCTV cameras did not leave the country. "Police believe that the suspects are still in Malaysia," he added. Meanwhile, acting Kedah police chief Zakaria Yusof said the police will increase patrols to prevent hacking of ATMs by the syndicate. "We have to keep an eye on South Americans to avoid a repeat of the incident," he told reporters at a handing over of duty ceremony in Kuala Nerang. -- BERNAMA