ADT Security Services Announces Anti-Skim Security Solution For ATMs

P>Skimming -- a way criminals use high-tech electronic tools to capture personal financial information and steal money from automated teller machine (ATM) customers -- is one of the financial industry's fastest-growing crimes, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

Also, the worldwide ATM Industry Association (ATMIA) reports over $1 billion in annual global losses from credit card fraud and electronic crime associated with ATMs.

"But perhaps the most significant skimming cost to financial institutions is the damage to their reputation and the loss of customer confidence that accompanies the theft of personal financial information," said Hank Monaco, vice president for ADT Security Services.

ADT is introducing to North American financial institutions its Anti-Skim ATM Security Solution that helps prevent skimming attempts and detects skimming devices on all major ATM makes and models.

In a matter of seconds, criminals can place a skimming device on an ATM card reader that blends in with the machine's appearance and does not interfere with its operation. A small wireless camera, concealed near the ATM fascia, is also used to capture the user's PIN as it is entered. Information from the device and camera is sent wirelessly to the criminal's laptop computer. The ATM user typically has no idea that his or her information has been compromised.

Criminals use the stolen data to "cash out" debit card accounts, clone duplicate credit-debit cards or sell personal financial information to worldwide crime syndicates. Several high-volume transaction ATMs in an area can be targeted in just one day.

Boca Raton, Fla. Police Chief Dan Alexander said identity theft and related offenses such as ATM skimming are a serious concern in the community. Boca Raton Police will begin a campaign through its Viper program to help raise awareness among residents. Tips will include how to protect your identity from criminals.

"The Strike Out Identity Theft campaign is a perfect example of how community partners such as ADT can work in conjunction with law enforcement to help protect the public," Alexander said.

To help reduce ATM skimming, the ADT solution is installed inside an ATM near the card reader, making it invisible from the outside. The technology helps prevent card-skimming attempts by interrupting the operation of the illegal card reader. The solution also detects the presence of foreign devices placed over or near an ATM card entry slot, without disrupting the customer transaction or operation of most ATMs.

For effective, layered ATM security, the ADT solution can trigger a silent alarm for command center response and can coordinate video surveillance of all skimming activities.

The ADT Anti-Skim ATM Security Solution:

  • Helps protect the integrity of cardholders' personal financial information during ATM transactions.
  • Can trigger a silent alarm for command center response and coordinate video surveillance of all skimming activities.
  • Requires no software adjustments to the ATM.
  • Does not connect to or affect the ATM communications network.
  • Has more than 40,000 successful ATM applications worldwide.

ATM operators should take advantage of anti-skimming solutions, according to Lana Harmelink, ATMIA's chief executive officer, the Americas.

"Skimming is a problem that will continue to grow until available technology is employed to bring it under control," she said. "The technology exists today to help defeat the problem."

Monaco said a recent study by Harris Interactive reported that 67 percent of U.S. adults who use financial institutions with ATMs would likely switch after experiencing ATM fraud or a data breach.

"This survey highlights the important role that the ADT Anti-Skim ATM Security Solution can play in helping secure consumer confidence in ATM transactions," he said. "ADT already helps to protect tens of thousands of retail banking facilities, operations centers and ATM operations with a variety of intrusion, access control and video surveillance systems. Our new anti-skim solution adds another layer of protection for financial institutions."

Featured

  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    Two security experts sit down with Security Today’s editor in chief Ralph C. Jensen to discuss what they see emerging and changing over the next several years along with how security stakeholders can harness these innovations into opportunities. Read Now

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.