Financial institutions are considered high-risk environments due to their susceptibility to robberies, crimes, and violent incidents. This heightened risk is exacerbated by the high-stress environment and various factors such as disgruntled employees, consumers who may be angry over denied loans or repossessions, and the large amounts of cash held on premises. Additionally, these institutions are frequently targeted by organized crime rings for skimming attacks and other sophisticated schemes, making robust security measures imperative.

The safety of staff and consumers is top priority for any financial institution. As in-person experiences for banks and credit unions change, so must security.

To create more inviting spaces and comfortable experiences, some financial institutions are creating open-plan branches, where staff conduct business from standing desks in open areas. Staff in these open-plan branches rely on Teller Cash Recyclers (TCRs), eliminating consistent need for vault access and less-secure teller drawers. Others are considering a smaller physical footprint, downsizing building space and only focusing on high-value services offered in-person.

Some institutions even feature beverage bars, public high-speed internet cafes, and comfortable seating areas. There is even a growing emergence of unstaffed lobbies open 24/7, where consumers can physically walk inside parts of their bank or credit union to conduct business via ATMs and ITMs – without any staff present.

Financial branches are traditionally a high security risk, since virtually anybody can walk through the doors. So, while open-plans and 24/7 access to your lobby is convenient for all, these modern and comfortable designs must also be highly secure, posing unique challenges for financial institutions.

Workplace violence also poses unique challenges for financial institutions. Banks and credit unions can be a high-stress environment, especially when dealing with consumers who may be denied loans, falling behind on payments, experiencing repossession, having mental health crises, and more.

Domestic violence incidents also have tendencies to spill over into workplaces, especially financial institutions where a partner or ex partner may be in-person to settle their accounts to part ways. 

It's important for financial institutions to have a workplace violence plan in place, and that all staff are trained on the plan. This can include what to do in an active shooter situation, a hand-to-hand combat situation, handling verbal harassment, rendering aid, calling for help, and more. 

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"The importance of securing financial institutions requires a proactive, multifaceted phased approach. Today’s security plans must deal with more types of security threats than ever before in protecting their assets, property, employees, and consumers." 

Gary Guerrero, Senior Vice President Security | FTSI

Branch Security Solutions

It is wise for every financial institution to re-examine their security efforts on a regular basis, and to reach out for expert advice. In general, a comprehensive security solution for a financial institution may include:

• Video Surveillance
• AI Weapons Detection
• Access Control
• Alarm Monitoring
• Intrusion Alarms
• Lighting Surveys
• Commercial Drawers
• Entrance Security Vestibules
• Night Depositories
• Burglary-Resistive Safes
• Safe Deposit Boxes
• Modular Vaults/Vault Doors
• Bullet-Resistive Windows
• Audio/Video Solutions
• Undercounter Solutions
• Infection Prevention Solutions

All financial institutions pose their own unique security challenges, which is why it’s important to receive a site survey or consultation from an expert in the financial security field. They can help to identify gaps in your current security systems or even design a plan from scratch to cover all areas. Many security vendors now offer integration with other solutions, providing a smooth and seamless experience anywhere from your video surveillance to your alarms.

> Get a Security Assessment from Our Expert Team

ATMs are a prime target for criminals, and attacks are only growing by the day. Fraud, robberies, and other security breaches are unfortunately common at ATM locations around the world.

Keeping your consumers safe and protecting your fleet involves focusing ATM security efforts to protect against physical, hardware, and software attacks. Whether it’s skimming, brute force attacks, etc., there are security solutions for all ATM threats.

Get an in-depth exploration into the evolving trends and solutions centered around ATM security with a panel of experts. See examples of new skimming trends and learn how to spot PIN cameras, overlays, and more.

Types of ATM/ITM Attacks

There are several methods of attack that criminals use on ATMs, so it is imperative to remain informed about illicit activity in your area and ensure that your fleet is protected based on the potential risk within your specific market.

Physical ATM Attacks

Physical ATM attacks pose a large risk to property and life yet are generally unsuccessful. While criminals might not get away with the cash they were expecting, major damage to your fleet can occur from these attacks.

During a physical ATM attack, brute force is used to access the cash inside the machine. This can be carried out either at the ATM’s location, or at another location if a hook-and-chain type of attack is used.

At an ATM’s location, brute force from a crowbar, explosive device, or other tool is used to access the cash inside. Criminals attempt to break open the safe door to grab the cash kept inside.

In a hook-and-chain attack, a vehicle and chain are used to uproot an ATM. Another tactic involves using a forklift or other heavy machinery to puncture or move the ATM. It can then either be accessed for cash on-site or taken to another location.

Criminals even try to carry out physical attacks when staff have the ATM safe doors open for service or are transporting cash to and from the ATM.

ATM Card Attacks: Bezel, Insert, and Deep Insert Skimmers

Skimming is the gathering of card information from consumers once it is inserted into an ATM. This can be done with different types of skimming devices which are implanted by criminals: bezel, insert, and deep insert skimmers.

Bezel skimmers cover up the ATM’s original bezel and can usually be detected by tugging on it/pulling it off. Insert and deep insert skimmers are placed into the card reader. Some insert and deep insert skimmers are so small and advanced these days, they are virtually undetectable- even by experienced ATM technicians.

Types of PIN capture devices may accompany some skimmers, such as PIN cameras and fake keyboard overlays. These devices capture the PIN number which can be associated with the skimmed card information.

Logical ATM Attacks: Jackpotting, Malware, and Electronic

Any attempt at tampering with an ATM’s software is considered a logical attack. These are more sophisticated attacks than physical and can often go undetected for long periods of time.

Once an ATM’s software is tapped into, criminals then either use external malware, electronic devices, or a combination of both, to control the machine, access the cash, or create fake debit/credit cards. A common logical attack is called “jackpotting.”  

In jackpotting attacks, criminals must first gain physical access to the inside of the ATM. From there, they can use malware and/or other specialized electronics to control operations of the ATM, emptying the cash into their own wallets.  

Other types of logical attacks include installing malware which can control the ATM as well as transactions, prompting the ATM to dispense money without showing it debiting money from an account. Certain types of malware can also record information from inserted cards, which is then used by the criminals. Malware can be installed physically or remotely.