GMV recently participated in the ATMIA US Conference, which is one of the largest international gatherings for the automated teller machine (ATM) industry. The event was focused on analyzing the technological and security challenges that are now being experienced by manufacturers, operators, and financial institutions. 

During the conference, the team from GMV emphasized one of the most critical threat vectors now facing the industry: jackpotting. This is a type of attack where cybercriminals are able to force unlawful dispensing of cash, by electronically or physically manipulating an ATM.

Jackpotting is performed by combining advanced physical intrusion techniques with exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Attackers first gain access to the inside of an ATM, which they do by using physical force or social engineering techniques, and they then install devices or malware to gain control over the cash dispensing function. In other cases, they are able to take advantage of insecure configurations, obsolete operating systems, or deficiencies in the authentication mechanisms or network segmentation.

According to various industry reports, issued by organizations such as the European Association for Secure Transactions (EAST) and ATM Industry Association (ATMIA), these attacks on ATMs have become more sophisticated and coordinated, and they are now targeting independent networks as well as major financial institutions. In addition to generating direct financial losses, incidents of this type can also have an impact on an entity’s operational continuity and reputation, as well as its ability to comply with security regulations. 

In this context, GMV showcased the capabilities of its Checker ATM Security® solution, which has been designed to strengthen comprehensive protection for ATMs against advanced threats such as jackpotting. This solution has already been deployed in over 300,000 ATMs, for more than 70 clients worldwide.  Its technology incorporates advanced mechanisms for controlling applications, performing continuous monitoring, and protecting critical processes, to prevent any running of unauthorized software, even in scenarios where an attacker has gained access to the ATM. In addition, its centralized management facilitates monitoring and control for large ATM networks, while also enhancing incident response capabilities.

With solutions such as Checker ATM Security®, GMV is helping to strengthen security for the ATM ecosystem, by using advanced technologies for prevention, detection, and control, always adapted to the existing threat landscape and its ongoing evolution.