With the discontinuation of the XP operating system by Microsoft, Security on ATMs is very paramount. Most banks all over the world are still running on Microsoft XP. April 8 was stated as the deadline for the ceasation of support of the Windows XP operating system by Microsoft which was offering its 12-year cyber security and technical support for the Windows XP following a year’s notice. Options are being weighed as to what the next action would be.
The first option is to buy customised support solution from Microsoft, while the second is to implement “compensating controls” on their ATMs pending when they will complete the process of migrating to the Windows 8 operating system. Compensating controls refer to series of technical operations that could offer temporary protection for the ATMs.
The development has put all the ATMs still running on Windows XP across the globe at risks of hacking by cyber criminals. In Nigeria, over 70 per cent of the 13,000 plus ATMs are still running on the Windows XP and Microsoft Nigeria has said they are at risks from cyber thieves. Microsoft has advised banks and all users of Windows XP to migrate to the Windows 7 or 8 operating systems.
Compatibility issues was also raised. Across the world, some banks have migrated, while others have bought customised extension from Microsoft. The Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr Kabelo Makwane said that the firm had been encouraging the banks to migrate because the level of cyber crimes currently existing globally was beyond the capabilities of Windows XP, hence the need to migrate quickly. Skimming devices have been used by Hackers on most ATMs across the country.
