StarForce Technologies, a leading vendor of software protection tools, has published a new white paper highlighting the criminal threat posed by cyber attacks on automated teller machines (ATMs) – the machines which millions of people use every day to withdraw cash from banks.

The paper draws on research from ATMIA (the Automated Teller Machines Industry Association), the Russian Banks Association and leading industry figures.

Dmitry Gusev, Deputy Marketing Director with StarForce Technologies, said: "Apart from the sometimes huge financial losses incurred through ATM software frauds, reputation risks caused by such frauds are a major issue for banks.

"Reputation is the core factor when it comes to handing your money to a third-party. Banks work hard to win customer trust.

"Leaks of personal data, money theft from accounts and unstable services can cause a loss of customer trust.

"Solid protection of ATMs that have become the main means of bank-to-customer communication is an investment in building a bank’s reputation and in maintaining the trust of existing and potential customers."

The StarForce white paper summarises technical recommendations from ATMIA aimed at preventing criminals 'cracking' ATM software - particularly by 'reverse engineering'.