Journal #4 - Automatic Teller Machine

                The one computer system that comes to mind that we interact with on a daily basis is the automated teller machine, or the ATM.  This computer system makes our daily lives more convenient because almost all are open 24 hours a day, 7 days and give us the freedom to make money transactions any time.  The first automated teller machine was called the Bankograph and was first installed in New York City in 1939 by the City Bank of New York, but it was removed 6 months later because of the lack of acceptance of the population.  Its features included deposit transactions but did not feature the dispense of cash.  The ATM that we know and all use today didn't get released to the public until December 1972 with the 2984 CIT (Cash Issuing Terminal), the first true cashpoint.

                There are many underlining technologies that go into the ATM to make it operate, first is the Operating System.  The vast majority of today's ATMs use Microsoft Windows OS - mostly Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Embedded.  A card reader reads a magnetic strip on a card to verify the user's identification by checking the inputted PIN matches the requested bank account and routing number.  Most automated teller machines are connected to interbank networks such as NYCE, PULSE, PLUS, Cirrus, AFFN, Interac, Interswitch, STAR, LINK, MegaLink, and BancNet.  These networks enable cashpoints to connect to their host via ADSL or a dial-up modem over a telephone line, or directly through a leased line.  A Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is used to encrypt all traffic between the host and the ATM through TCP/IP.  Then the data goes to a secure cryptoprocessor inside the unit where it is processed.  The cash dispenser uses a bunch of robotics to issue the desired amount of cash to the user.

                There are some security issues to be aware of when using an ATM, first make sure the card reader matches the machine.  A lot of ATMs prompt you to check the reader to see if the secure tape is still intact.  Hackers sometimes place their own card readers over the machine's reader so you have to swipe your card in both.  This enables the hacker to get your bank account number, routing number, and PIN from the magnetic strip.  With this information the hacker can log on as you and have full access to your bank account.  My advice is to be aware of the different methods hackers use for identity theft and the precautions you can take to prevent it.  Because if the ATM didn't exist, hackers would still find a way to hack something else that handled money transactions and made our lives more convenient.