BROOKINGS, S.D. and CAPE TOWN, South Africa - The ATM Industry Association has announced the winners of its five international security awards for 2004.

According to a news release, this year's awards include the author of the industry's first-ever best practices for cyber security for Windows-based ATMs and a lifetime achievement award for a man who was present at the installation of the world's first ATM in 1967 in London.

They also include a bank from South Africa which eliminated the threat of Lebanese Loop attacks and a strong performance from Diebold for its well-researched ATM crime counter-measures and security initiatives.

The winners are:

Lifetime Achievement Award: John Benton, director of Association of Security Consultants. One judge said of his achievements: "John's contribution to ATM security over 35 years and to ATMIA during its formation is substantial and is unlikely to be replicated by any other living person."

ATM Security Best Practice: South Africa's Absa Bank. A judge commented on Absa's achievements: "Absa has demonstrated their efforts to reduce fraud by coordinating information through their fraud alerts and eliminating the Lebanese loop threat to cardholders who use their machines. These are significant advantages to controlling ATM fraud at an early stage in the development of the ATM industry in South Africa."

ATM Security Best Technology: Diebold. A judge said: "Diebold showed the industry that they had researched and understood the challenges from all types of criminals targeting ATMs. Not only did they understand the risks, they had the functionality ready to go on their machines."

Best Contribution to Promoting the Interests and Growth of the Industry in the field of ATM Security: Diebold (organizational category) and Ian Simpson of Bank of Western Australia (individual category).

One of the judges said of Diebold's contribution to ATM security in 2004: "I have selected Diebold for their active participation in industry forums, and the additional investment and effort in forming its own Global Security Task Force,and for its vast range of leading edge ATM protection measures, including an ATM security educational DVD."

The impact of Ian's work on ATM cyber security was summed up by a judge as follows:
"Ian has shared his knowledge and experience with Windows ATM security, to reduce the learning curve in the industry and make us all safer."

The three international judges were: Ian McKindley, Visa International's country risk manager, Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific Islands); Mike Urban, card alert operations director, Fair Isaac; and Professor Martin Gill, director of Perpetuity Research & Consultancy International (PRCI) at the UK's University of Leicester.

In making their decisions, the judges considered long-term positive influence on improving the industry, excellence in technology or levels of service, leader in applying best practice and specific and measurable achievements producing tangible results.

The names of the winners and runners-up will be posted on ATMIA's roll of honor on all seven of its regional Web sites.