ATMs may be at risk as Microsoft Windows XP prepares to terminate its security updates on April 8. Some fear the machines may become vulnerable to viruses and hackers. But others, like Steven Bellovin, a computer science professor at Columbia University, think the risks may be overstated. "They're probably pretty safe. It's not a crisis for most banks. If one of them is penetrated, then it is a big problem for that bank," Bellovin said. Around 95 percent of the world's ATMs are currently supported by Microsoft Windows XP. Only one-third of the 2.2 million ATMs, which use the system will have upgraded to a new platform by the deadline. Some banks have made deals with the U.S. software giant to extend support a little longer. Microsoft first warned that it was planning to end support for Windows XP in 2007. - Reuters
