The Week In Security

February 24, 2012 10:47 AM

Poor Choices

People base their PIN codes on obvious sources, such as birthdays. This means a wallet thief will be able to guess a victim's PIN once in every 18 wallets, according to a Cambridge University computer scientist. If the bank permits obvious PINs like 1111 or 1234, it's one in 11 wallets. (Image: ThinkStock)

Magic Touch

To calm consumers' fears that their contactless payment cards can be read over the air, University of Pittsburgh designed a card that transmits data only when it is touched — the user's hand completes the circuit that activates the antenna. (Image: ThinkStock)

Legal Woes

A Utah restaurant is challenging a fine it was assessed after an alleged data breach. If the merchant wins in court, the case could set a worrisome precedent for the banks and payment networks that enforce the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. (Image: Ciseros)

Love Hurts

At least 6,400 people who frequent the adult website YouPorn had their email addresses and passwords exposed. The password list, which was posted online by an unidentified hacker, could be used to access the online banking accounts of people who used the same login credentials. (Image: ThinkStock)

You Don't Say

Too many social media users publicly share too much information that banks rely on for authentication, a Javelin study found. Nearly 70% post their birthdays and over 60% post the name of their high school. (Image: ThinkStock)

Catching Crooks

Smaller banks and credit unions are adding technology that gives them better control over which transactions they flag as potentially fraudulent. (Image: ThinkStock)

Keys to Success

An unmarked van used by ATM installers was stolen Feb. 22. The van held no money — but it contained the keys to open up ATMs across Connecticut. (Image: ThinkStock)

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