Hit by an unprecedented ATM security breach, several public and private sector banks have recalled or blocked over 32 lakh debit cards to safeguard their customers from financial fraud, while the government has sought from them details of all necessary safety measures
Representational Picture
New Delhi: Hit by an unprecedented ATM security breach, several public and private sector banks have recalled or blocked over 32 lakh debit cards to safeguard their customers from financial fraud, while the government has sought from them details of all necessary safety measures.
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Bankers said the recalled cards include those that have been replaced as a 'pre-emptive measure', while in many cases the customers have been asked to mandatorily change the PIN and other security numbers to resume using the blocked cards.
While there were some reports about certain cards affected by security breach, having been used fraudulently abroad including in China, bankers appeared putting the blame on a payment services provider that manages ATM network of a private sector bank.
State-run SBI is said to have re-called around 6 lakh cards, while others like Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank, Central Bank and Andhra Bank have also replaced debit cards of several customers.
Among the private sector players, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Yes Bank have asked customers to change their ATM PINs. HDFC Bank also advised its customers to use its own ATMs.
The suspected security breach happened through a malware in the systems of Hitachi Payments Services, which serves ATM network of Yes Bank.
Govt seeks info
The Finance Ministry has sought details from lenders as also the additional steps that need to be taken to avert such incidents.
According to the ministry sources, the Department of Financial Services has sought information about implication of such data compromise from Indian Banks Association.
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