The Green Sheet Online Edition
August 8, 2018 • 18:08:01
Readers Speak: Keeping ATMs secure
ATM crimes are on the rise in the United States, especially since many ATM deployers have yet to upgrade their terminals to EMV, and debit cards issued here still include mag stripes, which are easy to duplicate. Wise placement of ATMs enhances security, and knowledgeable technicians can spot tampering and malicious hardware. Here are further tips to improve ATM security:
- Physical barriers: Concrete pylons or bollards create a physical barricade around ATMs, which helps prevent smash-and-grab attacks. Other deterrents include ATM body armor that surrounds the terminal in steel plating, and anchor kits. Bolting ATMs to the ground provides an extra security layer, as most anchor kits can withstand high impacts.
- Physical security: Many attacks happen at the ATM's top cabinet. Upgrading locks and managing key access is a sound method of preventing unauthorized entry to the terminal, which houses the main board and dispenser connections. Alarms installed at ATM access points will notify site staff when a terminal is breached, adding another layer of security. Security management software with remote diagnosis or other monitoring solutions facilitate management and monitoring of terminals in real time.
- Up-to-date software: Slow EMV migration has left U.S. ATMs susceptible to cyberattacks. Installing software updates and security patches in a timely manner is vital to protecting operating systems from unauthorized downloads of malware and skimming software. Regularly updating passwords and monitoring all who have access to ATMs adds another layer of security.
- Video cameras: Surveillance cameras deter crime and help protect the ATM deployers and customers. On-site video cameras can monitor the ATM and surrounding area or the terminal itself. Even when thieves wear hats, sunglasses, etc., those items can act as identifiers.
To learn more about potential threats and solutions available to protect ATMs, download the new white paper, Improving ATM Security, at www.mvpatm.com.
Mark D. Smith, MVP Financial Equipment
Mark,
Thank you for sending in these most useful tips.
Editor
Want to share your knowledge?
Do you have helpful advice for your colleagues in payments? We'll welcome your perspectives at greensheet@greensheet.com. 
Whether you want to upgrade your POS offerings, find a payment gateway partner, bone up on fintech regs or PCI requirements, find an upcoming trade show, read about faster payments, or discover the latest innovations in merchant acquiring, The Green Sheet is the resource for you. Since 1983, we've helped empower and connect payments professionals, starting with the merchant level salespeople who bring tailored payment acceptance and digital commerce tools, along with a host of other business services to merchants across the globe. The Green Sheet Inc. is also a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals.
Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact information, links and other details may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.
