Thieves' Skimming Devices Target Debit-Card Readers

[snopes]

A serious vulnerability in the retailing world is computerized cash registers known as point-of-sale, or POS, terminals. Thieves can use "skimming" devices -- generally circuit boards or hand-held wireless units -- to steal payment-card data off card-swipe machines. Once the information is pilfered, it can either be used to make counterfeit cards or sold to other criminals. At times, the skimming devices are also installed in ATMs, though ATM scams are more likely to involve cameras.

http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content...ntentid=111792

[Skeptic]

Originally Posted by snopes

Thieves can use "skimming" devices -- generally circuit boards or hand-held wireless units

It is not possible to carry around a circuit board. Their components are static sensitive.

[chillas]

Originally Posted by Skeptic

It is not possible to carry around a circuit board. Their components are static sensitive.

It depends on what those components are. Yes, it is quite possible to carry around a circuit board.

[Skeptic]

Originally Posted by chillas

It depends on what those components are. Yes, it is quite possible to carry around a circuit board.

Assuming that at least one of the components has to be a processor, then it is definitly not possible to handle them.

[BluesScale]

Hmmm. Well, all digital devices are static sensitive to some degree but there is a lot of difference between "Static can damage this device" and "This device will be be destroyed if not in an antistatic enviroment"

However, I think that that was meant was "hand held devices and circuit boards added to readers"

And it is not an urban legend. It happens quite a lot if the professional journals that I read are to be believed.

Blues

[chillas]

Originally Posted by Skeptic

Assuming that at least one of the components has to be a processor, then it is definitly not possible to handle them.

True, but I see no reason to make that assumption.

[FullMetal]

there are also handy dandy little plastic boxes sold at electronic shops to contain circuitboards. they're small, inconspicuous.

and for what it's worth i've seen first hand the reader... (nearly got scammed, if I hadn't gone to that ATM 3 times in the previous week, and noticed something odd about the card slot...) I just looked through my wallet, and left, and then reported it to the handy number on the side of the machine. (it was one of those 3 dollar withdrawl atms that aren't affiliated with a bank. )

This was also on an episode of CSI

[Skeptic]

OK, I think every one is missing the point I am making here. Yes, you can carry around something CONTAINING a circuit board quite safely, and I assume that is what was intended. They are in just about every electrical device in used today. But under no circumstances could you routinly handle an unprotected circuit board without damaging it. The processors and diodes are sensitive to static and will be destroyed. The diodes easily break off as there is only a minute peice of solder holding them to the board, and the copper trails on them scratch easily.
I work in a factory making these things. The whole shop floor is specially treated, we wear anti-static coats and shoes, and most of us are tied down with anti-static straps.
The rule is that any board that lands on the floor is dumped.

[songs78]

Originally Posted by Skeptic

OK, I think every one is missing the point I am making here. Yes, you can carry around something CONTAINING a circuit board quite safely, and I assume that is what was intended. They are in just about every electrical device in used today. But under no circumstances could you routinly handle an unprotected circuit board without damaging it. The processors and diodes are sensitive to static and will be destroyed. The diodes easily break off as there is only a minute peice of solder holding them to the board, and the copper trails on them scratch easily.
I work in a factory making these things. The whole shop floor is specially treated, we wear anti-static coats and shoes, and most of us are tied down with anti-static straps.
The rule is that any board that lands on the floor is dumped.

I don't get your initial point. Are you saying that the thieves were not using circuit boards, these boards weren't working or that the article was wrong.

[inkrose115]

Originally Posted by songs78

I don't get your initial point. Are you saying that the thieves were not using circuit boards, these boards weren't working or that the article was wrong.

Sounds like they mean that the article is obviously worded crappily.

[Skeptic]

Originally Posted by songs78

I don't get your initial point. Are you saying that the thieves were not using circuit boards, these boards weren't working or that the article was wrong.

What I am saying is that (as a previous poster says) the article is worded badly. The thieves are not using circuit boards, they are using some sort of inidenified item that uses circuit boards. It is a pointless statement as nearly everything in the modern world from a toaster to a space shuttle uses circuit boards.
As it stands it is like saying the bank robbers fled the scene by using a wheel.

Originally Posted by Skeptic

What I am saying is that (as a previous poster says) the article is worded badly. The thieves are not using circuit boards, they are using some sort of inidenified item that uses circuit boards. It is a pointless statement as nearly everything in the modern world from a toaster to a space shuttle uses circuit boards.
As it stands it is like saying the bank robbers fled the scene by using a wheel.

Well, in everyone's defense, you said that you can't carry around a circuit board without damaging it. I've been a computer geek for years (35 or so) and frequently carry them around without harming them. If I drop one on the floor, it would probably ruin it, though. So in your line of work, it's the impact and not the static that requires you to trash it. Simply carrying one in my hand, as long as I treat it delicately likely won't harm it.

Anyhow, the story is written by someone with less of a grasp of technology than a flair for the dramatic, so, they wouldn't know a circuit board from a nuclear reactor. Lots of journalists screw technical stuff up.