Subscribe now

Technology

Foiling the cheats in a world of high-tech trust

Our complex world runs on trust – yet that very complexity, combined with our culture, also makes cheating a lot easier

By Bruce Schneier

22 February 2012

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Keeping ATMs secure is an arms race between systems run on trust and those run on cheating

(Image: Dan Talson/Rex Features)

I CAN put my cash card into an ATM anywhere in the world and take out a fistful of local currency, while the corresponding amount is debited from my bank account at home. I don’t even think twice: regardless of the country, I trust that the system will work.

The whole world runs on trust. We trust that people on the street won’t rob us, that the bank we deposited money in last month returns it this month, that…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop