Re: ram scraper

[Valdis.Kletnieks () vt edu]

On Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:17:58 CST, RandallM said:
> what is the types of processes to protect from RAM pilfering? I have to
> admit I never thought this one.
>
> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/12/09/ram_scraper_credit_card_theft/

"So-called RAM scrapers scour the random access memory of POS, or
point-of-sale, terminals, where PINs and other credit card data must be stored
in the clear so it can be processed. When valuable information passes through,
it is uploaded to servers controlled by credit card thieves."

So tell me - why is a POS terminal at all vulnerable to easy infection by
malware?  Let me restate it:

'POS Terminal' == 'network-connected cash register'.

These need to be easily reprogrammed (by owner or miscreant), why, exactly?

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