“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,” Mark Ward reports for BBC News.

“For many years the venerable IBM operating system, known as OS/2, has been the staple software used to power many of the 1.4m cash machines in operation around the world. But IBM will end support for OS/2 in 2006 which is forcing banks to look for alternatives,” Ward reports.

“Todd Thiemann, spokesman for anti-virus firm Trend Micro, said the move to Windows in cash machines was not without risks. Mr Thiemann said research by the TowerGroup showed that 70% of new cash machines being installed were Windows based,” Ward reports.

Full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: Great idea! Let’s use Windows, the most insecure and most heavily attacked operating system, for banks and U.S. Homeland Security! Hey, let’s use Windows to control nuclear missile silos next! And in two ton vehicles that can drive at high speeds. And on planes, yeah, jets – that would be great! Or to run nuclear subs, right after we install the screen doors! Typical institutional stupidity. It’s too bad that the average human IQ isn’t just a few points higher; everything would be so much easier without so many morons mucking everything up all the time.

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