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SpareBank1 spent US$95 million on an integrated security solution.

The need for banking and ATM security has never been higher. SFS unlocks how physical security can stop criminals breaking the bank.

It seems like banks have been in the news on a daily basis now for the last six months or so, but even if it's been for the wrong reasons, it's worth remembering the vital role such institutions play in our lives.

The UAE Central Bank's recent announcement that all UAE banks should move over to the EMV card standard has come of reminder of the importance of banks in keeping money safe.

Much has been made of the growth of online banking in the Middle East region, and with transactions frequently taking place electronically, it can be easy to forget about banks as actual physical locations. However, it is a serious security mistake to do so.

"If one can gain physical access to a bank's systems their data can be compromised, so it's becoming increasingly important to invest in physical security that helps manage access to restricted areas of the bank," warns Georges Hachem, area sales director, GE Security.

Internal theft from a bank can be a very serious matter and needs to be prevented at all costs.

"Identity theft is arguably the fastest growing crime in the world and can allow the criminal to gain access to bank accounts, safety deposit boxes and credit facilities. Internal theft is more serious in banks because of the large sums of money involved," says Adil Abdel-Hadi, managing director, IES Consulting.

Integration

With this in mind, experts suggest that security staff operating in banks should be specifically trained on the nature of those threats, and be provided with a range of hi-tech systems in order to help keep one step ahead of the criminals.

Given the large number of threats facing a bank, and the number of areas (both physical and conceptual) that need to be secured, experts advise using an integrated system that can co-ordinate all aspects of a bank's security.

A typical bank will have systems ranging from CCTV, to biometric access, alarms and security guards. Co-ordinating these in an integrated system simplifies the task at hand for maximum effectiveness.

"Banks need to be able to manage, or at least consolidate, all their security information in one central location, be it information about access, video footage, or intrusion alarms. Being able to consolidate this information will allow banks to better understand and assess their security infrastructure, and to react promptly and adequately to threats they may face," says Hachem.

Nevertheless, a good system is only as good as the people who work within it.

"Physical security measures can deter or prevent physical attack such as robbery or theft using ATMs but only well trained people can prevent or detect the major electronic thefts, fraud and other crimes committed using the bank's systems."

Cash point

Well trained staffs are particularly crucial for securing ATMs. ATM fraud has the potential to reach very high levels, warns Narishen Naidoo, managing director of cash services for G4S. Currently, the Gulf region is particularly fortunate.

"I've worked with G4S in other countries so I'm aware that in terms of the level of crime, the UAE is in a far better off position opposed to much of the world," he says.

However, the risk still remains. G4S services around 65% of ATMs in the UAE and it is important for banks to ensure that companies delegated the task of restocking ATMs employ staff who are trained to watch out for security threats.

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