Wincor Receives Anti-Skimming Reward

PADERBORN, Germany – Wincor Nixdorf, the primarily European ATM manufacturer that has started to market to more mid-sized U.S. financial institutions, has been recognized for the anti-skimming technology contained in its machines. Wincor Nixdorf has been given the “Best ATM Security Technology” award at the 2003 ATM Security Conference in London. The ATM Industry Association recognized the manufacturer for its development of pre-emptive anti-fraud protection for automated teller machines, particularly its anti-skimming technology. During a skimming attack the customer has no trouble withdrawing cash and doesn’t even notice that the card has been copied. The copying occurs via a foreign card reader (sleeve) inserted into or onto the card slit. Many times, the PIN is recorded by a discreet miniature camera affixed to the keyboard area, which then sends a picture via radio transmission to the waiting criminal. Wincor Nixdorf has developed a new module for ATMs that prevents sleeves from being used to read the card details. The ATM’s card slit is monitored continuously by sensors that ensure that if a sleeve is detected, the ATM is put out of service immediately before a customer can insert his or her card and allow the customer data to be copied.