jackpotting

Ret's Word of the Day
/ˈdʒækˌpɒtɪŋ/
[ JAK-pot-ing ]
🔊 Hear it on YouGlish

Definition

The meaning: Jackpotting is a type of cybercrime where criminals manipulate or hack an ATM to make it dispense all of its cash as if someone had hit the "jackpot" on a slot machine.

La signification : Jackpotting désigne une forme de cybercriminalité où des pirates informatiques forcent un distributeur automatique à délivrer tout son argent, comme si quelqu’un avait gagné le gros lot à une machine à sous.

Here's an example of use: "The gang used malware to carry out a jackpotting attack on several ATMs across the city."

This word is often used in discussions around cybersecurity, banking fraud, and financial crime.

Word Analysis

French equivalents
»» Vol par piratage de DAB
»» Piratage de distributeur
»» Jackpotting
»» Attaque de distributeur automatique
»» Ⓐ La police a signalé plusieurs cas de jackpotting dans la région.
»» Ⓑ Ce distributeur a été ciblé par une attaque de type jackpotting.

English equivalents
»» ATM cash-out
»» ATM jackpotting
»» Hacking an ATM
»» Malware attack on cash machine
»» Ⓐ Authorities warned banks about rising ATM jackpotting attempts.
»» Ⓑ The thieves used a USB device to infect the ATM with malware.
   

Dialogue

Alex: "Did you hear about the bank incident last night?"
Jamie: "Yeah, they say it was jackpotting—those guys drained the ATM completely!"
   

Etymology

Origin: The word jackpotting is not derived from "jackpot" directly but indirectly. Barnaby Jack, one of the most prominent hackers, exploited a security vulnerability in an ATM machine and made it spit out cash. The act became known as "Jackpotting" in his honour.

Modern Usage: It has become a technical term in cybersecurity and financial crime investigations, particularly since around 2017.

Connotation: Negative, associated with high-tech financial theft and sophisticated hacking methods.

Grammar Note: Usually used as a noun ("ATM jackpotting") or a verb in informal tech contexts ("They jackpot the machines using malware").

Audience

"Jackpotting" is typically used in news reports, cybersecurity briefings, law enforcement discussions, and banking security materials.

When to use: Use it when referring to cyberattacks targeting cash machines, particularly with the use of malware or physical tampering. For example: "The bank upgraded its software to prevent jackpotting attempts."

Dictionary Meaning

Tech Target defines it as "the exploitation of physical and software vulnerabilities in automated banking machines that result in the machines dispensing cash."

Here's an example of use: Standalone ATMs, such as those in retail premises like malls and service outlets, are the more likely targets of ATM jackpotting attacks because they are away from the tighter monitoring and security controls of a bank's premises.

News Snippet

"In 2018, the US Secret Service warned about "jackpotting software", saying at the time that ATM jackpotting is a sophisticated crime in which thieves install malicious software and/or hardware at ATMs that force the machines to dispense huge volumes of cash on demand."

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Extra! Extra!

For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…

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WordReference

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Modern Slang & Tech Expressions

Jackpotting (slang)
A cybercrime technique where criminals manipulate or hack an ATM to make it dispense all its cash. It often involves bold, risky actions and technical skill.

Example: "The crew carried out a jackpotting attack on three ATMs in one night, disappearing before police arrived."



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