ATMIA US Conference

Using AI to improve ATM security

AI has many uses for ATMs, from virtual AI powered tellers to personalization. One way it can benefit ATMs is through proactive crime and fraud detection to combat ATM crimes.

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March 3, 2026 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

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AI has many uses for ATMs, from virtual AI powered tellers to personalization. One way it can benefit ATMs is through proactive crime and fraud detection to combat ATM crimes.

Bill Ryan, account executive at Verint Systems Inc., shared expert tips on how to use AI for ATM security at a session at the ATMIA conference held in Arlington, Texas from Feb. 10 to 12.

ATM security has always been a challenge, but it's becoming more important in the modern day.

"We are seeing thousands of ATM attacks annually: jackpotting, skimming, physical and cyber," Ryan said. "There's been a 600% increase in attacks from 2019 to 2022." This issue continues to today, and it puts both customer safety and bank's brand image at risk.

Finding the right camera

One of the primary ATM security tools that can benefit from AI is cameras. However, before this can be integrated, Ryan emphasized you need to have high quality cameras with the right placement.

For example, banks should adopt higher resolution cameras that provide better results, and make it easier to identify criminals.

In addition, banks must pick the right mounting solutions so cameras can be placed both within the ATM and in other places to detect blind spots.

"You need to ensure the camera itself is placed properly, has the right lighting and right installation," Ryan said.

AI tools

Once you have the right camera with the correct placement, you can start thinking about AI tools. One of the most common AI features is engine learning which can prevent false positives and identify common criminal behaviors.

For example, AI cameras can, " ignore certain features such as trees that can trigger false positives," Ryan said.

Criminals commonly approach ATMs from the wrong direction, so AI cameras can quickly flag that as a potential crime and identify the authorities.

In order to utilize AI, you'll need cloud-based video security software so it can identify those abnormal behaviors and trigger a response. It's also key to integrate third party support so the camera can interact with "transactions, ATM event triggers and alarm controls."

AI can be used alongside live video streams as well. Once an event is triggered, authorities can be given access to the live stream so they can see the crime happening in real time.

"With verified video, it gets a response a lot quicker. When police know someone is there right now, it encourages them to show up," Ryan said.

Don't set it and forget it

However, AI is not a tool you can just set up and forget about it. Ryan said it's important to make adjustments as needed to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

"You have to take care of it. We have to understand the environment it's in, and sometimes you have to change the environment it's in so you can see and capture what you're looking for," Ryan said.

About Bradley Cooper

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

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