Atm Security - Protecting You And Your Customers

ATM manufacturers must be diligent in making equipment with excellent security features

because this equipment is an increasing presence in retail and small businesses across the country. The public has come to depend on and trust these independently owned machines.

ATM security is constantly improving to allow for the movement of cash with the highest protection afforded to both the customer and the proprietor. These features ensure the integrity of each transaction and the safety of the funds stored inside the machine. Both physical features as well as software design help prevent breaking into the vault or stealing customers' bank information through technological means.

An industry standard has been designated by Underwriters Laboratories for ATM security referred to as UL 291. This standard specifies that models designed to store cash only during business hours be able to withstand a physical attack of at least five minutes' duration, allowing time for store personnel to notify police. These UL 291 compliant models weigh in at about 250 pounds. A larger model, weighing 800 pounds, can withstand a 30-minute attack, boasts a vault-class safe and meets the designation of UL 291 Level 1. Also called 24-hour safes, these units are capable of holding cash unattended after business hours.

All units offer either combination or electronic locks. Although they are more expensive, electronic locks add an extra measure of safety because access codes can be changed if need be and a five-minute delayed access sequence can be added.

Most units come with a removable and reloadable cash cassette that can be filled and serviced elsewhere in a secure area. Larger cash cassettes are also available to minimize the frequency of reloading. Exploding dye packs are a popular feature that can be added to the cash cassette to mark bills in the event of tampering or theft. GPS units can also be installed to facilitate the tracking of the ATM machine for further protection.

Manufacturers recommend installing an ATM unit by securing it to a surface, preferably bolting it to a cement floor. A surveillance camera is also advocated to deter or pursue any criminal activity.

Customer safety and trust is a high priority. In the interest of ATM fraud prevention, all new ATM machines must be Triple Data Encryption Standard (DES) compliant. This is a government-recognized, industry-wide encryption standard now required on all new machines to protect the public's personal identification numbers. New machines have also gone to a dip-style card reader in place of the older technology where the personal I.D. card was pulled into the machine for processing. Both of these new features provide added customer security and provide deterrents to both fraud and potential hackers.

Due to advancements in technology and manufacturing, ATM machines are not just for banks anymore. In fact, it is estimated that only thirty percent are found in financial institutions while seventy percent are now located in other public places like malls, restaurants, gas stations, airports and grocery stores. Cash is still the top commodity and recent modifications have made ATM machines safely accessible for any small business with sufficient potential to justify the investment.

by: Stephen Daniels

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