ATM Security

Types of Physical and Logical Attacks

• ATM Cash Trapping. A contraption inserted into the cash-dispensing slot that blocks an ATM’s shutter so that bills cannot be presented to the customer. The criminal retrieves the cash once the customer leaves.

• ATM Explosive Attacks. Criminal actors use physical or brute force, including solid explosives or gas against an ATM to access the cash.

• Explosive Breaching Attacks Targeting ATMs in South Puget Sound Region  
• National Explosives Task Force Awareness Bulletin: ATM Burglaries - Combustible Gas Explosions  

• ATM Jackpotting. Criminal actors gain physical access to the ATM and download Ploutus-D malware directly onto the machine’s hard drive or attach an already affected hard drive onto the machine to control the ATM cash dispense function, thereby allowing the criminals to take out cash. 

• ATM Shimming. A slim device containing a microprocessor and flash memory inserted into an ATM’s card reader to intercept or manipulate data passing between a payment card’s EMV/micro-chip and the ATM’s chip interface.

• ATM Skimming. Criminal actors attach a scanning device onto the ATM card reader slot to record account details from a payment card’s magnetic strip. Once the information is captured, criminals use the details to create a cloned card.

• Secret Service Request for Assistance: ATM and POS Skimming Equipment 

• Robberies of ATM Service Technicians. Criminal actors target ATM service technicians who are servicing and/or replenishing an ATM to steal the cash cassettes

• ABA Advisory: ATM Service Technician Robberies  

• Unlimited Cash-Out Operations. Cyber criminals use malware to manipulate system controls, inflate account balances and remove daily transactions limits enabling the criminals to withdraw an unlimited amount of cash.

Burglaries and Larcenies

• Houston-Based Automated Teller Machine Burglary Crews Pose a Risk to the Banking Industry Nationwide
• Criminal Actors Very Likely Will Increasingly Target Automated Teller Machines for Burglaries in the United States

ABA Resources

• ATM and Vestibule Skimming Response Recommendations
• ABA Bank Capture
• ATM Safety Tips

Industry Resources and Alerts

• Understanding and Reporting ATM Malware Attacks to FIs and Retail Institutions