Concerns over Windows cashpoints

[ming]

Cash machine networks could soon be more susceptible to computer viruses, a security firm has warned.



The warning is being issued because many banks are starting to use the Windows operating system in machines.

Already there have been four incidents in which Windows viruses have disrupted networks of cash machines running the Microsoft operating system. But banking experts say the danger is being overplayed and that the risks of infection and disruption are small.


Read More @ BBC UK

 

[Zedric]

LOL, I read the title as "Concerns over Windows crashpoints"! I'd be concerned about that too.

But yeah, cash machines shouldn't run windows. It just feels wrong to use a multi purpose desktop os for such an embedded application. Plus they crash all the time for some reason. I've seen crash dialogs a number of times when I wanted to get money, and there aren't too many Windows based cash machines that I use.

 

[SPeedY_B]

Crashes are usually the crappy software the cash-points run, but I do agree it's not really practical to use Windows for something that's so simple.

 

[Geffy]

yeah I have seen a cashpoint or two in Scarborough which have had WindowsNT and one with a Windows2000 error message

I dont use those cash machine anymore

 

[NetRyder]

Crashes are usually the crappy software the cash-points run, but I do agree it's not really practical to use Windows for something that's so simple.

I agree. It's probably more prudent to run some small embedded operating system for such a specialized system.