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ATM security still deficient, Indian officials say

A year-and-a-half after a woman getting cash was nearly hacked to death by an assailant with a machete, FIs still aren't providing adequate security at ATMs, police say.

June 30, 2015

Authorities in Bangalore, India, say they have issued notices to a number of banks reprimanding them for lax, inadequate or nonexistent ATM security.

Acting on complaints, police inspected 594 ATM kiosks on a Sunday night, and according to the Bangalore Mirror, found that:

• at least 100 security guards were over the age of 60 and unfit to protect customers;
• another 100 ATMs had no guards at all; and
• 164 ATMs did not have CCTV surveillance.

In many cases, the guard did not remain within the ATM kiosk area, leaving customers at risk, the report said.

"Many a time, we have asked the banks to implement all the security measures," Police commissioner P. Harishekaran said in the report. "But even now, many ATMs belonging to various banks do not have CCTVs or guards; and many are aged guards who cannot do anything in an emergency situation."

Stricter security measures were imposed in many cities across India following a nearly fatal attack by a machete-wielding assailant on a woman using an ATM in Bangalore.