Recent incidents of ATM vandalism have involved sophisticated methods such as installing skimming devices to steal card data or destroying machines to steal money. These acts often occur in remote, unsupervised locations.
In that context, banks are moving to limit transactions using data from magnetic strips. However, the risk of criminal groups continuing to abuse stolen card data to make withdrawals remains a major challenge.
Banks need to seriously implement measures such as periodically checking ATM systems, fully equipping surveillance cameras and promptly detecting unusual signs such as strange devices or traces of illegal interference.
The Bank Card Association (Vietnam Banking Association) recently continued to call on member banks to strengthen security for ATM systems, especially during holidays and Tet, to ensure stable operations and meet customers' transaction needs.
In addition to physical protection, the Card Association also emphasizes the importance of technological solutions to prevent risks from ATM skimming. Banks are recommended to coordinate with equipment suppliers to deploy modern protection tools, and apply transaction control measures based on time frames, risk thresholds, or transaction channels.
The role of the media is also emphasized in raising customer awareness of security measures when using ATMs. Close coordination between banks, authorities and local governments is an important factor in preventing and promptly handling acts of sabotage.
In short, ensuring the safety of the ATM system is not only the internal responsibility of each bank, but also a commitment to customers, contributing to strengthening trust in the modern financial system.
