Protection from computer viruses

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Protection from computer viruses
[07:13 pm] 10 March, 2009

According to IBM technical expert Dennis Batrankov, automatic
transaction machines are the reason for the dangers of computer-based
banking systems in Armenia and worldwide.

Batrankov says that computer hackers are able to install special
devices that remember the PIN code of the ATM. Banks have started the
fight against them with new 3D type cards that are more protective.

According to Batrankov, there will be more virus attacks on the
banking system as technologies develop. There are viruses such as `cam
figer’, `kido’, which are so dangerous that even `Microsoft’ has
promised to grant a 250,000 dollar award to the person who can say the
name of the person who creates the `cam figer’ virus.

Batrankov has met with representatives of six Armenian banks,
including the administration of the RA Central Bank and has offered
nearly 120 remedies for securing the information security. Both sides
have shown interest and talks are underway.

Batrankov says that computer hackers are applying new methods to reach
their goals. They are even submitting letters in person instead of
sending letters via e-mail to know the password of the person’s
account.

`One of the most important principles of security is to not trust
anonymous people sending letters and to personally call the bank to
find out whether the password has changed or not,’ says
Batrankov. According to him, today’s antivirus programs reveal and
`cure’ the existing viruses, however they are not able to prevent new
types of attacks.

Protective, anti-virus systems, according to Batrankov, work
effectively only when the evil hackers don’t know about
them. Batrankov says that hackers mainly aim the viruses at certain
organizations and certain people. They know beforehand about the
security system installed at the organization and create a virus that
the mentioned system can’t find.

Batrankov adds that it is important for the bank to have computer
security workers to instill trust towards the bank and there are such
workers in some banks of Armenia.