Tyupkin, the name of the malware, enables hackers to steal cash from ATMs without using debit or credit cards, but rather with a series of codes, reports The International Business Times.
Kaspersky Lab, a Russian security company, detected the cyber attacks, which have thus far been found across Europe, Latin America, Asia, the US, and Israel. As of last March, when the investigation was conducted, more than 50 machines were found to be infected in Eastern Europe and Russia.
The company acquired video footage revealing specifics regarding the attacks, which occur on Sunday and Monday nights, as the malware only recognizes commands during these periods. This makes the attacks more difficult to detect, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Though Kaspersky revealed few details, the company reported that the criminals gain physical access to the machines and upload the malware. The program reboots the ATM and the hackers then enter a code ordering the machine to dispense the cash. The entire process takes about four minutes, according to Kaspersky researchers.
The security company is working with Russian authorities on the forensic investigations while Interpol, also aiding the investigations of the cyber-crimes, is alerting the affected countries.
Earlier this year US regulators revealed that there has been a pattern of cyber-attacks occurring, with hackers targeting teller machines. Sanjay Virmani, director of the Interpol Digital Crime Center, says that cyber-crime is evolving and targeting financial institutions directly, which poses an increasing threat.
