Authors:
Yonatan Ramirez, Oscar Llamas, Alfonso Magallon, Marco Basto, Christian Rodriguez, Abner Sanchez, Julio Sanchez Reynaga, Pedro Saldana
Abstract:
It is proposed to create an Anti-Skimmer designed specifically for self-service lines.
Through hardware and software, it will be able to detect at the point of sale when an item other than the PIN pad has been attached to itself, thus avoiding major risks to the banking information of end consumers and possible complaints or legal escalations.
This enhances the security of self-service devices. Since these devices are designed to operate without continuous supervision, they have been vulnerable to easy vandalism by criminals who add illicit devices. Moreover, many customers may not immediately recognize a skimmer.
Background:
Efforts to combat skimming have advanced significantly, particularly in the ATM sector, where companies such as NCR and Diebold have introduced robust anti-skimming technologies. These include electromagnetic fields that disrupt skimmer functionality and real-time alerts to notify banks of potential skimming attempts. However, these solutions have largely focused on ATMs, leaving retail payment systems, especially PIN pads, more vulnerable (ATM Marketplace).
For retail equipment, tools like Target’s “EasySweep” (Target Tech Blog) have been developed to detect skimmers on popular payment terminals such as Verifone MX915, MX925, and Ingenico models (Line 7000, 8000). EasySweep has proven effective at identifying physical skimmers, but a major challenge remains: many retailers do not frequently update their payment terminals. This creates an environment where advanced skimming techniques can bypass existing protections.
While innovations for specific PIN pad models have emerged, the lack of widespread adoption and the slow pace of hardware renewal within many businesses leave these devices susceptible to newer forms of skimming. Therefore, the retail sector still faces significant security gaps, despite the availability of tools designed to detect and prevent skimming.
Introducing an anti-skimmer solution for self-service terminals by validating the device's factory weight (a characteristic that is both difficult to alter and unnoticeable) combined with the use of artificial vision technology, we can enhance security for a broader range of PIN pad models with greater efficiency.
Description:
We are proposing the development of a pedestal scale for PIN pads, combined with an add-on software solution for a recognition camera.
The pedestal will record the original weight of the installed PIN pad, cross-referencing it with the manufacturer's reported weight. Once the system verifies and accepts the configuration, the terminal will be ready to process transactions. For each sale, the system will temporarily allow slight weight fluctuations (as the customer interacts with the PIN pad). After the transaction concludes, the system will automatically revalidate the PIN pad’s weight to ensure it remains unaltered. If any discrepancies arise, the recognition camera will activate, performing a visual inspection to detect any visible alterations or tampering. Should the incorrect weight persist beyond a defined threshold, the system will alert the line supervisor and lock the point of sale until the alert is cleared and the original weight is restored.
Key Enhancements:
- Seamless Integration: This solution ensures security without disrupting the sales process, only activating safeguards when irregularities are detected.
- Proactive Tamper Detection: The combination of real-time weight validation and visual confirmation provides a multi-layered defense against skimming and tampering attempts.
- Automated Alerts: By involving the supervisor only when necessary, this system minimizes false alarms, ensuring smooth operations while maintaining high-security standards.
This approach not only adds an extra layer of security to payment terminals but also ensures an efficient, minimally disruptive flow of transactions.
Enabling Technology:
- Retail store POS Recognition camera
- Device structure with scale mechanism for obtaining weight in real-time
Supporting Art :
Target's EasySweep – Simplifying Skimmer Detection for All
Diebold rolls out anti-skimming devices | ATM Marketplace
TGCS Reference 0138
