“AS MORE BANKS PILOT AND EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGIES, WE EXPECT TO SEE MORE WIDESPREAD ADOPTION.”

As pivotal drivers of business and trusted guardians of customer funds, banks in the United States hold a significant position in the economy. With the security landscape continuously evolving, banks face the challenge of outpacing increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. However, these challenges also create opportunities for financial institutions to elevate their security measures. By proactively enhancing their defenses, they can continue to protect assets and uphold the trust that serves as the basis for their success.

In response to the challenges posed by physical bank crimes, security leaders in the banking sector are increasingly recognizing the need to modernize traditional methods of protecting critical sites. Dylan Anderson, CEO, OP4Certify and former security leader at Bank of America, highlights the benefits of leveraging AI-powered video surveillance solutions to enhance the physical security of banks, credit unions, and financial services providers. These advanced technologies are redefining the possibilities of security in the modern era, providing a more proactive and effective approach to safeguarding facilities.

Anderson noted that unauthorized access to bank branches, ATMs, or data often occurs because traditional security measures can be easily bypassed, especially when relying on security officers to monitor large volumes of video feeds. He emphasized that while security officers play a crucial role, expecting them to proactively spot suspicious activity across hundreds of cameras is a daunting task. This highlights the opportunity to enhance security by adopting more advanced and efficient solutions, such as AIpowered surveillance, which can better support officers in identifying potential threats and ensuring a higher level of protection.

"Guards simply don't have the bandwidth to effectively monitor expansive sites, and that's pushed us as an industry to think outside the box,” Anderson said. “We're now seeking technologies that add an extra layer of intelligence, with the goal of stopping crimes and losses before they escalate into bigger issues."

And that is exactly where AI-enabled video monitoring steps in. Services like remote video monitoring and proactive video monitoring are transforming security in the banking industry. These solutions provide AI-powered video monitoring services, enhanced by skilled operators and integrated audio capabilities, setting new benchmarks for security standards.

"The result is a solution that offers real-time detection and intervention, delivering a level of protection that was previously unattainable," said Anderson. “These types of services are particularly attractive in the banking industry because of their inherent simplicity and effectiveness.”

The platform uses analytics to detect people and vehicles in areas where they shouldn't be. When a breach is detected, it immediately triggers an alert to a 24/7 monitoring center, where trained specialists can deliver remote audio warnings in real-time.

When loitering and other suspicious behavior becomes a problem, especially in high-risk environments like banks, intelligent video monitoring can play a crucial role in crime prevention. By continuously monitoring key areas, AI detection software can identify suspicious activities such as loitering, unauthorized entry, or unusual behavior near ATMs and other high-risk locations like cash drops. Once an issue is identified, the system instantly alerts an operator who can intervene remotely, delivering a customized and specific live audio warning that directs any individuals to leave the premises.

This approach reduces the need for direct confrontation, minimizing the risks associated with in-person intervention by security personnel or law enforcement. By proactively addressing these threats, banks can create safer environments, and better protect their assets, customers, and employees.

While the benefits are clear, some banks are cautious about adopting new technologies. These institutions often prefer to manage security concerns internally, valuing their ability to handle issues within their own teams. Additionally, their strong customer focus drives them to carefully consider any changes that might impact customer perceptions. This approach reflects their commitment to maintaining a positive customer experience, even as they evaluate the potential of emerging technologies. But this too is changing.

"Although some banks are still wary of implementing new security technologies, others are seeing the value these solutions, like Netwatch, bring to the table," said Anderson. "For example, pilot programs at mediumsized banks have shown promising results, particularly in improving safety and reducing loitering at ATM vestibules. The real-time interaction provided by the operators has proven extremely effective in deterring unwanted activities, which has been a persistent challenge for banks trying to manage these situations on their own."

AI video monitoring has the potential to help combat ATM crime. The software can detect suspicious activities, such as a vehicle backing up to an ATM in a manner consistent with a hook-and-chain attack. The ability to detect and intervene before a crime occurs offers banks a powerful advantage in preventing costly damages. The technology's proactive nature positions it to take preventative action, enhancing security measures and reducing potential risks.

"While there is still a learning curve for banks in understanding and implementing proactive security measures, there is growing interest," said Anderson. "As more banks pilot and experience the benefits of technologies, we expect to see more widespread adoption.”

The industry is increasingly recognizing that outsourcing services to specialized vendors can offer more effective and adaptable solutions than traditional, in-house methods. The results some banks have seen using these solutions speak for themselves.

"The future of bank security is promising," Anderson said. "Organizations simply need to embrace the possibilities and trust in the potential of these innovative approaches to stay ahead of the curve."

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