KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Financial institutions in the country should take the initiative to frequently update their automated teller machine (ATM) computerisation systems to prevent cyber criminals from hacking into them, said former Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

He said banks should be aware of the need to update fast changing technology to prevent their systems from being easily hacked. 

“There are too many smart people in IT now, we should have a strong security system to ensure hacking incidents are not repeated,” said Musa, who is also the president of the Malaysian Community Crime Concern Organisation (MCCC), when contacted by Bernama, today.

He was commenting on media reports on a syndicate believed to escaped with more than RM3 million after hacking 17 ATMs in Selangor, Melaka and Johor over the past few days.

However, no account owners reported missing money.

Musa said readiness to upgrade computerisation systems is a serious matter which cannot be taken lightly. 

He said the banks should monitor their officers as they may be involved in colluding with the syndicate. 

“Banks should also check the background of potential candidates before recruiting them,” he said. 

Crime analyst Datuk Akhbar Satar proposed the need for a new software which can detect suspicious items in the existing software. 

“As an example, if a certain transaction was repeatedly made in large amounts, the bank will be alerted,” he said. 

He also proposed that banks set up closed circuit television (CCTV) systems at the places where ATMs are located, to monitor the situation directly. — Bernama