Hacking self-service a cinch

Paul Craig, the security consultant for New Zealand-based Security-Assessment.com, spends his working day attempting to bypass the Windows operating system in as many ways as possible, writes Self-service & Kiosk Association.

This is done to hack into the hard drive where, if these kiosks were real deployments, he could conceivably access the hard drive and plant a virus, or even steal private cardholder data. The task may seem difficult, but Craig says he's already found more than 30 ways of doing it.

Most of these methods use a Windows-based tool such as Adobe Acrobat, Media Player or QuickTime, as a sort of trapdoor to sneak out of the kiosk application. That, says Craig, is Windows' primary weakness: all of the unnecessary software baggage that comes with the core operating system.

NCR is introducing software that allows consumers to deposit cheques into their cheque or savings accounts without leaving their homes or purchasing any new hardware, states Trading Markets.

This new software, called NCR APTRA Consumer Passport, can be integrated with any financial institution's online banking site and gives consumers the ability to deposit cheques remotely.

While accessing an online banking account, consumers can deposit cheques by using a Twain-based flatbed scanner. Once the front and back of the endorsed cheque is scanned, the image and related data can be sent electronically to the financial institution for validation, processing and clearing.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has added a self-service kiosk in the Mesquite office, reports Mesquite Local News. Motorists can renew their vehicle registration at the kiosk, which accepts cash, e-cheques or any major credit or debit card.

The machine dispenses the licence plate decal and certificate of registration on the spot.

Motorists can also obtain a driver history printout or reinstate a registration that has been suspended for a lapse in insurance coverage.

VOIP can be used in a self-service capacity to help companies be more productive and efficient, according to an industry expert, writes ihotdesk.

Greg Anderson, global general manager for the Goldmine solution at FrontRange Solutions, says firms must remember that VOIP as a technology allows them to do more with less.

He suggests that it can turn a telephony system into a self-help service, freeing up help-desk operatives from everyday enquiries regarding passwords and unlocking accounts so that they can focus on more challenging problems.