SPOTLIGHT
SECURING YOUR BRANCH AND ATMS: EXPERT INSIGHTS ON PHYSICAL BANK SECURITY
Maintaining the safety and security of bank branches and ATMs is an evolving challenge in today’s banking landscape. As technology advances and threats become more sophisticated, banks must stay ahead with the latest security measures. To shed light on current trends and emerging strategies, CBA reached out to two of our Preferred Service Providers, ACG and STS Group. These experts shared insights into new developments, innovative tools, and the future of physical security in banking—helping banks protect their assets, staff, and customers more effectively. Adam Stephens, Chief Development Officer at STS Group in Madison, AL, shared “Bank security trends in the physical realm are evolving with the integration of advanced surveillance and alarm systems. At STS Group, we see our customers increasingly upgrading their analog cameras to high-definition video surveillance systems capable of being equipped with facial recognition and AI-powered analytics. These systems can not only monitor bank premises but also detect suspicious behavior in real time, enabling quicker responses to potential threats.” According to Adam, enhanced camera technology provides clearer images and wider coverage, reducing blind spots and making it easier to track movements both inside and outside bank facilities. These video systems can be integrated with our monitoring center, allowing security personnel to monitor multiple locations simultaneously. “In addition, alarm systems have also seen advancements with the adoption of smart technology. We are using sophisticated alarm systems that can detect a variety of threats, from unauthorized access to tampering with vaults or ATMs. These alarms enable remote monitoring and management and can send immediate alerts to security teams and law enforcement. Additionally, we see more and more of our customers incorporating access control systems, such as biometric scanners and keycard systems, to limit entry to sensitive areas. The combination of advanced video surveillance and alarm systems – such as STS N-Sight – along with improved access control, our bank customers have created a more layered and responsive physical security environment for their organization.”
Longtime CBA partner Phil Winn, President of ACG in Alpharetta, stated, “Securing your assets has always been about delaying, detecting and responding to attackers. Physical security such as safes, vaults and security gates delay 1 6 | w w w.c b ao fga.co m | Fa l l 2 02 4
and possibly stop the success of attackers. Electronic security and software updates are utilized to prevent and detect the attacks. Ensuring proper alarm reporting allows law enforcement to respond quickly. A fourth factor when considering security is utilizing security products that are visible to the attackers. This acts as a great deterrent and the criminals go elsewhere. Adding security layers is important in protecting your assets but does add operational inconvenience and expense for any financial
institution.” Finding the proper balance can be discovered by engaging your security provider to fully understand your options. Often this engagement includes a site survey. ACG has provided a few considerations to review which include: Island ATM Security Gates: Physical attacks on ATMs have risen with the current economic times and increased criminal activity. There is an increase in ATMs being pulled from the island with a “hook and chain” method. A security gate which sits in front of the ATM is a highly effective deterrent and significantly reduces the risk of an attack, as criminals are more likely to target a less secure ATM. Anti-Skimming Technology: Criminals steal card data with two common methods. They place an overlay on an ATM bezel, or they place technology in the card reader slot (“deep insert skimming”). There is technology to assist/stop these attacks. Having personnel check for overlay skimmers often is also good procedure. Branch: • Secure branches using access control. • Update surveillance systems and ensure you have 90 days of camera footage. • Ensure all alarms are working and tested routinely. • Develop a safety and security plan within each branch. • Ensure your alarm is communicating through a cellular device. • Set alarm notifications for your branch leadership. ATM to prevent jackpotting and secure the vault: • Ensure your ATM hood and vault have monitored alarms. • Install an ATM security gate. • Change the ATM BIOS password. • Confirm you have the latest level of ATM software and dispenser is set to the highest level of security. • Confirm with your network that TLS 1.2 encryption/ communication is utilized. This assists greatly in preventing “man in the middle” attacks. With these considerations in mind and a consultation with your security provider, you will be able to document your current