Blog

Designers see the future of ATM security

June 21, 2011 by Ian Kerr — CEO, Level Four

It’s interesting to see a fresh perspective on bank security trends. St Martin’s College of Art in London has created an ATM crime exhibition and it features some quirky and future-looking ATM security technologies such as sound sensors, laser-illuminated privacy zones and low tech every-direction mirrors.

According to the blog about the exhibition, the Design Against Crime Research Centre (DACRC) and NCR worked with the Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU), Royal Bank of Scotland and LINK on a design brief for B.A. Product Design students. The challenge set was to come up with new and cost-effective solutions to tackle ATM crime.

Although on the surface, some of the ideas seem a little futuristic, such as the warning sensors that capitalize on the growing popularity of gaming console movement technology, there are indeed some strong ATM innovations presented in this exhibition.

Fundamental to ATM security is the common sense steps that individuals can take at the cash machine to protect their PIN, therefore it is pleasing to see that many of the suggestions are designed to encourage the consumer to take more care.

For the banks, those innovations that require few changes to the screen flow and ATM user interface will be the most appealing as they will minimize the investment required. The other consideration is the age-old balance between security and the user experience.

Too many passwords and PINs, and consumers become frustrated with the process. In this respect, the migration to EMV, which in participating countries has brought about a significant reduction in ATM fraud, has been a real success in advancing security whilst having no impact on the customer experience.

As a general observation, all of this attention is a further confirmation that the ATM is the channel of choice for most people accessing a bank’s services. The ATM has a very bright and much more secure future ahead.