The Looming Threat of Skimming

Safeguard your FI against the threat of card skimming. 

ATM/ITM convenience comes with the growing risk of skimming. Skimmers are malicious hardware devices, cleverly disguised and attached to ATMs intended to steal cardholder data for later fraudulent use. This poses significant threats to both financial institutions and their customers.

The cost of skimming is staggering, incurring nearly $1 billion annually for institutions and consumers alike. Stolen data fuels a wave of unauthorized transactions, reputational damage, resource-intensive investigations, and potential legal repercussions.

It is essential to evaluate your current security posture regularly, assess existing equipment and software, and identify potential vulnerabilities. 

Proactive Measures to Combat Skimming:

• Invest in Secure Equipment: Choose the latest anti-skimming card readers with features like metal detection, magnetic field interference, and encryption at various stages, rendering skimmers useless. Implement tap-and-go readers that do not require card insertion.

• Maintain and Inspect Equipment: Regularly check ATMs/ITMs for physical tampering or suspicious attachments.

• Implement Surveillance Systems: Cameras with optimal coverage help deter criminal activity and provide evidence for investigations.

• Communicate with Customers: Transparent and timely communication in case of skimming incidents builds trust and informs customers about preventive measures.

• Monitor Transactions: Utilize anomaly detection software to identify unusual activity and potential skimming attempts.

• Enhance Data Security: Implement advanced encryption and two-step authorization to safeguard customer data even if compromised.

By prioritizing vigilance and partnering with cybersecurity and FI equipment experts like NuSource Financial Services, your financial institution can safeguard against the threat of skimming. 

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you secure your financial future.