A leading security company says it has uncovered an "unprecedented" cyber-attack on up to 100 banks, which could result in $1bn (£648m) of losses.

But security experts are split over the severity of the alleged breaches, and on how much cash was stolen.

Russian company Kaspersky Lab said the hackers had accessed the banks' networks by sending spoof emails to staff.

It added that the criminals manipulated cash machines to dispense stolen money.

The majority of banks that ALLEGEDLY fell victim to the scheme are based in Russia, with a handful of others SPREAD across China, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, and other countries.

One bank is said to be based in the UK, although it is not believed to be a well-known brand.

Kaspersky said it had worked with Interpol and Europol on the investigation.

Europol director Rob Wainwright told the BBC the agency had "issued warnings and intelligence to national law enforcement AUTHORITIES and European banks through the European Banking Federation".

He added: "Reported INFECTIONS in the EU are unconfirmed at this STAGE, although we are continuing to work actively on the matter."


Full story: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31487258