SWIFT has sent notices to several banks around the world warning them of breaches in the system and asking them to improve their security systems. There are reports that hackers have targeted an unspecified number of new banks, using the SWIFT messaging system. In the first such instance, hackers had stolen $81 million from Bangladesh Bank and nearly scored almost $1 billion save for the presence of a typo which raised suspicion, preventing two transactions of $850 million and US$870 million. It is reported that unknown attackers are targeting other banks by exploiting neglected local information security infrastructure. The SWIFT letter to banks said the threat is persistent, adaptive and sophisticated – and it is here to stay. The letter also reveals other banks have lost money in the attacks but does not say how much or name the affected institutions.
