Innovation

Why ATM connectivity requires a new architecture

Between the strict enforcement of PCI DSS 4.0 and the looming reality of cellular network sunsets, the industry is moving away from selling parts and toward a demand for total visibility.

Photo: Adobe Stock

January 30, 2026 by Robert Holley — Head of Channel, New Routes to Market, Aeris

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The retail and ATM industries have crossed a threshold where traditional connectivity models no longer suffice. Many ATMs were assembled with a patchwork approach over the past decade. One vendor provided the hardware, another handled connectivity, and security protocols were often introduced afterwards as a secondary concern. This fragmented strategy worked for a time, but the margin for error has disappeared in an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny and sophisticated cyber threats.

As we move through 2026, the complexity of managing distributed endpoints has reached a breaking point. It is not that technology has failed, but rather that the management of that technology has run out of time. Between the strict enforcement of PCI DSS 4.0 and the looming reality of cellular network sunsets, the industry is moving away from selling parts and toward a demand for total visibility.

The hidden cost of fragmentation

In a traditional deployment, an ATM operator might juggle multiple portals to check signal strength, update security certificates, or verify compliance. If a machine goes offline or an audit occurs, this fragmentation often results in unproductive blame-shifting among team members. The hardware provider blames the network, while the network provider blames the security configuration. This ambiguity is more than just an operational headache. It is a fundamental security risk.

In a modern retail environment, a single unmanaged device or an outdated SIM card can serve as an entry point for lateral movement across a network. If an operator cannot see, manage, and segment every device from a single control plane, they cannot truly claim to be secure. The financial consequences of a breach or a failed audit now far outweighs the perceived savings of a low cost, fragmented connectivity plan.

The shift from connectivity to control

The industry is currently undergoing a fundamental shift in priorities. Connectivity is no longer the final product. Currently, the product is under regulation. For ATM operators, the goal is no longer just getting the machine online. The goal is to ensure that the connection is inherently secure, continuously compliant and easily orchestrated at scale.

PCI DSS 4.0 has transformed compliance from an annual event into a continuous requirement. This means that manual updates and best effort security are no longer viable. Operators now require platforms that offer automated enforcement of security policies. As each transaction takes place, it is necessary to show that all transactions are separate from one another and that every endpoint is accurately monitored. Additionally, with the phaseout of 2G and 3G networks, moving to LTE and 5G should be managed using software-defined solutions instead of costly and labor-intensive hardware upgrades.

Moving toward a single source of truth

To survive this transition, the ATM industry must embrace a sole source approach to global orchestration. This means moving away from stitched together solutions in favor of platforms that integrate connectivity and security by default. By consolidating the control plane, operators can move from a reactive stance to a proactive one.

Instead of waiting for a kiosk to freeze or a digital sign to go dark, a unified platform allows for predictive maintenance and instant troubleshooting. This level of accountability is what will define successful partnerships in the coming years. Organizations looking to modernize should prioritize integrated IoT security and connectivity platforms that remove the friction of multi-vendor management.

Conclusion

The evolution of retail technology has reached a point where uncertainty is the greatest liability. Whether managing a small fleet of ATMs or a global retail footprint, the focus must remain on removing ambiguity. The partners who succeed in 2026 will be those who provide a clear, accountable path to security and up time.

About Robert Holley

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