ATM jackpot attacks are surging in the United States, with damages expected to exceed $20 million by 2025.

According to the latest FBI warning, the threat of ATM jackpot attacks is becoming more serious across the United States. In just one year leading up to 2025, over 700 incidents have been reported, with cash losses exceeding $20 million. This rapid increase presents a major challenge to financial institutions’ security systems, and banks are urgently working to strengthen their defenses.

Methods of Malware Attacks Targeting Security Vulnerabilities

The mechanism of ATM jackpot attacks begins with criminals intentionally exploiting vulnerabilities in ATM machines. Specifically, they first gain physical access to the ATM, then install malware to bypass security systems. If the malware functions properly, it can bypass the bank’s normal approval process, enabling the attacker to forcibly withdraw cash—the core of the jackpot attack.

The high success rate of these attacks is due to gaps in both physical and electronic security of ATMs. Older, outdated machines are especially vulnerable and tend to be targeted more frequently by criminal groups.

The Reality of Large-Scale Fraud Operations by Criminal Organizations

FBI investigations have led to the indictment of 93 individuals involved in ATM jackpot attacks. Many of these are linked to gang organizations based in Venezuela, revealing that these are organized and planned crimes.

Rather than isolated incidents, these attacks are carried out as organized operations spanning multiple states, which has led to an expanding scale of damage. These criminal groups possess advanced technical skills and execution capabilities, making simple security measures insufficient to counter them.

Strong Security Measures Required for Financial Institutions

The FBI recommends that banks comprehensively strengthen their security measures to counter the growing threat of jackpot attacks. Specific measures include regular vulnerability assessments of ATMs, continuous firmware updates to the latest versions, and enhanced physical access controls.

Additionally, implementing real-time anomaly detection systems and improving ATM network monitoring are crucial. Sharing information across the industry and quickly exchanging data on new attack methods will help improve overall defense capabilities.

The current threat level of ATM jackpot attacks has grown to a scale that individual banks cannot handle alone, and industry-wide cooperation is now essential.