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Gartner Group Says Unattended Payment Terminals Are Vulnerable to Data-Security Attacks
Gartner Group - 06/30/08

Gartner Group analyst Avivah Litan says unattended payment terminals, particularly older models, are vulnerable to data-security attacks. "A lot of gas pump [terminals] are using very old technology that's subject to PIN attacks," Litan tells CardLine, referring to methods thieves use to capture cardholder PINs from PIN-entry devices. However, changing unattended terminals on fuel pumps can be difficult because upgrades often require replacing entire pumps, not just the terminals, Litan notes. "These standards are necessary, but they're imposing them during a very tough time for the economy," Litan says. "For independent gas station owners, its difficult to upgrade their pumps."

Avivah Litan, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner, recently testified at the oversight hearings for the Committee on Veteran's Affairs regarding the theft of sensitive information belonging to 26.5 million veterans and spouses from a Veteran Affairs employee's home. Ms. Litan told the committee that this latest compromise shows just how unprotected some of the nation's most sensitive data is.

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