ATM Card Trapping: How Criminals Steal Cards and How to Stop Them

ATM card trapping is a legacy form of fraud that continues to pose risks for financial institutions and their customers. In this attack, criminals insert engineered devices into the card reader to intercept and retain a customer’s card during a transaction. Believing the ATM has malfunctioned, the customer walks away—allowing the attacker to retrieve the trapped card.

When combined with a stolen PIN (captured through micro-cameras, keypad overlays, or shoulder-surfing), the trapped card can be used for fraudulent withdrawals and unauthorized purchases until it is reported and blocked.

How ATM Card Trapping Works

Fraudsters use a precision-fitted trapping device that interferes with the ATM’s card ejection mechanics. To increase their success rate, criminals often pair the trap with data-harvesting tools, such as:

• Miniature cameras hidden near the ATM to capture PIN entry.
• Keypad overlays embedded with micro-sensors to record keystrokes in real time.
• Physical tampering with ATM fascia to disguise added components.

Once the victim leaves the ATM, the attacker removes both the device and the card—immediately enabling fraudulent transactions.

Countermeasures Against Card Trapping

Today’s modern ATM security solutions provide multiple layers of protection against card trapping. Hyosung ATMs, for example, include next-generation card readers with built-in anti-skimming and anti-shimming intelligence. These advanced systems:

• Use sensor arrays to detect foreign objects in the card slot.
• Disable transaction pathways when tampering is detected.
• Alert operators in real time to potential fraud attempts.

In addition to advanced hardware, financial institutions should adopt these operational best practices:

• Card reader integrity checks: Regularly inspect ATMs for overlays, loose fascia, or unusual bulkiness.
• Tamper detection: Look for scratches, misaligned parts, or added components on or near the card slot.
• Surveillance awareness: Watch for small holes or hidden apertures that may conceal cameras.

Proactive ATM Security with Wittenbach

Wittenbach partners with banks and credit unions to implement ATM fraud prevention strategies that combine advanced hardware, real-time monitoring, and rapid-response protocols. By deploying intelligent card readers and maintaining strict inspection practices, financial institutions can reduce fraud risk and improve customer trust.

Contact your Wittenbach Account Manager today to learn more about electronic security services that safeguard your ATM network.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks on ATMs: How to Detect and Prevent Them

ATMs remain a top target for cybercriminals, and threat tactics continue to grow in both sophistication and scale.
One of the most dangerous is the Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack, a cyber intrusion where criminals secretly
intercept and manipulate communication between the ATM and its host processor.

To the ATM terminal, the data exchange looks valid. Attackers inject fraudulent instructions that allow
unauthorized withdrawals, redirect funds to criminal accounts, or spoof approval codes—leading to financial
losses and compromised customer trust.

How ATM Man-in-the-Middle Attacks Work

MitM attacks exploit weak points in ATM-to-host communication. By intercepting or altering the data stream,
criminals can:

• Replay or alter transaction requests to increase withdrawal amounts.
• Insert fake approval codes that bypass host authorization.
• Redirect transaction data to unauthorized endpoints for theft or manipulation.

This combination of physical access and network intrusion makes MitM attacks especially difficult to detect
and highly damaging to financial institutions.

Advanced Strategies to Defend Against ATM MitM Attacks

Preventing MitM attacks requires a layered, cyber-physical ATM security strategy. Best practices include:

• Data Encryption & Integrity Controls: Encrypt hard drive data with MoniGuard and enforce TLS 1.2+ secure communication between ATMs and host processors.
• Network & Port Hardening: Disable unused network ports, strengthen firewall rules, and deploy intrusion detection systems to flag suspicious traffic.
• Cable Protection: Secure Ethernet connections between ATMs and network switches to eliminate splice or tap vulnerabilities.
• Hardware Security: Install high-security locks, tamper-evident seals, and sensor-based entry alarms to protect communication modules.
• Personnel Training: Equip operators and field technicians to spot overlay devices, spliced connections, and signs of tampering before they escalate.

Proactive Security with Wittenbach Managed Services

Wittenbach helps financial institutions stay ahead of attackers with Managed Services that provide:

• Continuous operating system patching
• Remote ATM monitoring
• Endpoint security verification with MoniGuard

This proactive approach ensures your ATM fleet is protected against evolving cyber threats while minimizing
downtime and risk exposure.

Strengthen Your ATM Network Security Today

A well-defended ATM network requires more than just reactive measures. By combining advanced encryption,
physical safeguards, and managed cyber-intelligence, financial institutions can reduce vulnerabilities and
stop MitM attack vectors before they result in losses.

Contact your Wittenbach Account Manager today to learn how we can help elevate your ATM network security posture.

Why Proper ATM Lighting is Critical for Security and Customer Safety

Lighting plays a vital role in ATM security and is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent crime
and increase user confidence. Criminals often target dark, isolated areas where they can tamper with ATMs or
surprise customers without being noticed. By installing bright, consistent ATM lighting, financial institutions
can significantly reduce the risk of fraud, vandalism, and attacks.

How ATM Lighting Deters Criminal Activity

Well-lit areas make it harder for criminals to hide. Bright illumination discourages suspicious behavior and
increases visibility for law enforcement or security personnel—even from a distance. When combined with ATM
surveillance cameras, lighting provides an additional layer of protection. In the event of an incident, clear
lighting enhances video quality, making it easier to review footage and identify suspects.

Improving Customer Confidence with Better Visibility

Security isn’t just about stopping crime—it’s also about making customers feel safe. A well-lit ATM creates a
sense of security that encourages higher usage, especially for people unfamiliar with a location. Customers are
far more likely to choose an ATM where they can clearly see their surroundings and feel confident about their
personal safety.

Best Practices for Effective ATM Security Lighting

To maximize safety and security, ATM lighting should meet these key standards:

• Brightness and consistency: Ensure even illumination with minimal shadows.
• Coverage: Extend lighting several feet around the ATM, not just at the machine.
• Camera compatibility: Position lights to avoid glare or blocking surveillance cameras.
• Maintenance: Replace burned-out bulbs or aged, cloudy light housings promptly.

Proper ATM security lighting not only protects customers but also enhances the overall safety of your
financial institution’s locations.

Partner with Wittenbach for ATM Security Solutions

At Wittenbach, we help banks and credit unions strengthen their security strategies with proven solutions that
include ATM lighting, video surveillance, and physical security measures. To learn more about protecting your
ATM fleet, contact your Wittenbach account manager today.