Re: Steak Knife Decryption

[Rabid Wombat <wombat@mcfeely.bsfs.org>]

On Sat, 7 Jun 1997, Cyberdog wrote:

> >On Fri, 6 Jun 1997, Mike Duvos wrote:
> >
> >> An interesting twist on rubber hose decryption in the case of the
> >> murder of Jonathan Levin, son of the top executive of media
> >> giant Time Warner.
> >>
> >> Police believe his ATM card was stolen, and he was then jabbed
> >> with a steak knife until he revealed the PIN.
> >>
> >
> >A "duress" PIN which cancels the account would be a good addition;
> >similar to the "duress" code on home security systems that appear to
> >disarm the alarm but send a silent alarm to the monitoring station.
> >
> >-r.w.
> 
> I would want my account to remain active but instruct the machine to
> dispense marked cash in case I'm outside in the trunk.
> 

Excellent idea, but a lot harder to implement than simply having the 
system return a message that stated that your account is "overdrawn", and 
then notifying the security organization of your choice.

"Dude. I told ya, I don't have more than $10 in that account ..., just 
paid my rent/ alimony/ child-support/ bookie / parking tickets ... "

Since the criminal will no doubt be aware of this tactic, they'll be in 
the position of determining if the victim is lying about their lack of 
assets, or is using the security code. Will they be willing to risk 
murder against the possibility that the victim can be persuaded to give 
up the "real" number when other options are available? Possible, yes, but 
the average petty street criminal is looking for an easier mark.

-r.w.