CONTINUE TO SITE »
or wait 15 seconds

Security

Tips to tackle ATM security

Last time we looked at some critical ATM security issues such as software vulnerabilities, jackpotting, physical key issues and more. But how does one address such issues?

Tips to tackle ATM securityImage via Istock.com


| by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace

This is part of a series looking at ATM security. Click here for part one.

Last time we looked at some critical ATM security issues such as software vulnerabilities, jackpotting, physical key issues and more. But how does one address such issues?

Criminals are continually developing new ways to break into ATMs, so financial institutions and deployers alike will have to step up their games through investments into security.

"As cyber criminals grow even more sophisticated, financial institutions and ATM deployers must keep at least one step ahead — investing in modern and open technologies that enable a secure environment," Adam Crighton, SVP and general manager of digital first self-service banking at NCR Corp., said in an email interview. "They must also invest in the next generation of security, including solutions like contactless ATMs to help reduce risk by removing the need for a magnetic stripe to authenticate users, biometrics and facial recognition, and adding more advanced remote monitoring tools and video surveillance to identify fraudulent activity in real-time and take action."

As a result, banks need to make a more proactive strategy that prevents ATM attacks before they happen. Paul Nicholls, director of business development for Oberthur Cash Protection, recommended during a session at ATMIA, held in Orlando from Feb. 8 to 10, that banks utilize technologies to make ATMs less attractive for criminals.

One such system would be intelligent banknote neutralization systems, which can automatically ink banknotes when the ATM detects any tampering. This system can fire before an explosion hits an ATM and provides an "indelible, clean and traceable" ink that prevents the criminal from taking the banknotes to a different cash acceptor or recycler.

On another level, banks can address concerns over physical keys by going keyless through a tool such as a mobile app that can open the ATM.

"Keyless access eliminates the risk of unauthorized ATM access. There is no risk of lost, stolen or copied keys," Clair Shufflebotham, global marketing director at TMD Security, said in an email interview.

This keyless tool can also work together with an intrusion defense kit, which can detect unauthorized access to the topbox or notify the central system if the top box and door aren't closed properly.

"Remote management with real-time audit trail ensures that the authorized person is at the correct location at the pre-approved time," Shufflebotham said. "'The point is not always about stopping people getting in. It's about knowing who and when with a real-time audit trail, ' a service provider in North America told us. Real-time alerts via the dashboard or sent via the app when, for example, there is an unauthorized opening of the ATM top box or safe or if the door is open too long."

Another tactic for banks is to outsource management of their ATMs to a third party through ATMs as a service. By doing this, banks can free up some of their own resources and rely on the expertise of ATM vendors who can ensure the ATM is up to date on all security standards.

"This model significantly enhances efficiencies and helps ensure strong outcomes for banks and credit unions while freeing their time and resources for more customer-facing and growth-focused areas and initiatives," Crighton said. "ATM as a service can help institutions ensure their ATM software is up to date and has undergone all regular maintenance, keeping its system strong and protected, enhancing data security and creating a high level of trust and safety for customers and members."

As with all tools, ATM security is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Have you found a good approach to handle ATM security issues? If so click here to contact us and let us know about it.


Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is the editor of ATM Marketplace and was previously the editor of Digital Signage Today. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing.

Connect with Bradley:  

KEEP UP WITH ATM AND DIGITAL BANKING NEWS AND TRENDS

Sign up now for the ATM Marketplace newsletter and get the top stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Privacy Policy

Already a member? Sign in below.

  or register now

Forgot your password?


You may sign into this site using your login credentials
from any of these Networld Media Group sites:

b'S1-NEW'