ATM Security Compliance in 2025

Why ATM security compliance matters today 

As financial institutions and banks find new ways to mitigate evolving threats and increasingly complex compliance mandates, choosing the right strategic partner to secure the future of ATM networks is essential. ATM Managed Service providers like Brink’s can help guide you with a proactive, end-to-end approach that not only meets current security and compliance standards but also anticipates future requirements. This protects customer trust, safeguards assets and maintains operational integrity. 

ATM security is a multifaceted challenge, encompassing both physical protection and cyber resilience. Today’s ATM threats includes a range of attacks from sophisticated malware and jackpotting to physical attacks like ram-raids and skimming. Digital-first banking and the integration of new technologies like IoT and cloud-based systems are creating new vulnerabilities that require a proactive, multi-layered security strategy. 

Compliance with industry standards and regulations is a non-negotiable part of this strategy. Failure to comply can lead to significant financial penalties, reputational damage and even network shutdowns. As the financial industry tightens its scrutiny, a strong, audit-ready security framework is a business-critical imperative. 

Key compliance standards 

The ATM security landscape in 2025 is shaped by several key standards and regulations: 

PCI DSS 

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is the global standard, which is mandated by major card brands like Visa and Mastercard. It is designed to protect cardholder data wherever it is processed, stored or transmitted. For ATMs, this means every component, from the network to the physical machine, must adhere to its 12 core requirements. In 2025, compliance with PCI DSS remains paramount worldwide, with a particular emphasis on data encryption and secure key management. This ensures that all transactions are fully encrypted and that sensitive data is protected at all times. 

TR-31 and TR-34 

A major change for 2025 is the mandate for stricter key management. TR-31, or the Key Block Standard, defines a secure method for packaging cryptographic keys. It protects keys from unauthorized use by binding them to specific usage and exportability attributes. 

TR-34 complements TR-31 by providing a framework for secure remote key loading (RKL). TR-34 uses public-key cryptography to securely transfer TR-31 key blocks from a host to an ATM, eliminating the need for manual, in-person key loading, which is a significant security risk. 

The mandatory Phase 3 upgrade deadline for TR-31 and TR-34 compliance was 1st January 2025. Banks, financial institutions and ATM deployers that have not upgraded their ATMs by the deadline cannot process transactions; they will also incur substantial fines, loss of processing privileges and severe damage to customer trust. 

Brink’s AMS security capabilities overview 

Brink’s helps banks and financial institutions ensure security and achieve compliance through an end-to-end approach that combines technology, expertise and a deep-rooted commitment to protecting every aspect of the ATM network. By combining our 166-year legacy of trust with cutting-edge technology, we provide a holistic managed service solution that streamlines operations, reduces risk and ensures continuous compliance across the entire ATM lifecycle. 

Physical and transaction security measures at Brink’s 

Brink’s understands that effective security requires a multi-layered defense approach. Our capabilities extend to both the physical and digital components of ATM security.  

Brink’s employs a range of security measures to deter and mitigate physical ATM attacks: 

• Anti-skimming and anti-jackpotting: Advanced devices that prevent criminals from connecting external hardware to steal data or force cash dispensing. 

• Cash protection systems: Solutions like gas, smoke or ink-staining systems that render cash unusable if the ATM is forcibly breached. 

• Secure mounting and anchoring: ATMs are strategically anchored and protected with features like anti-ram raid plinths to prevent theft. 

• Continuous surveillance: Real-time monitoring and CCTV systems detect suspicious activity and enable a proactive response. 

Brink’s legacy as a security leader since 1859 is now powered by modern technology to safeguard against digital attacks: 

• Full data encryption: All ATM transactions are fully encrypted from end-to-end, making it difficult for criminals to intercept and steal sensitive data. 

• Secure network architecture: Brink’s provides a secure ATM network architecture to isolate ATM networks from other business systems, reducing the attack surface. 

• Remote BIOS protection and updates: Brink’s can securely manage and update ATM software and firmware remotely, ensuring that all systems are patched against new vulnerabilities. 

• Compliance with TR-31 and TR-34: Brink’s AMS solutions are designed to be compliant with the latest key management standards. By securely updating and distributing encryption keys remotely from a central point, we eliminate the need for costly and risky manual key loading, ensuring your network remains compliant and secure with minimal downtime. 

Regulatory certifications and reporting simplified 

Brink’s simplifies the regulatory reporting and certification process by providing a wide and comprehensive range of ATM Managed Services: 

• Proactive compliance management: We actively monitor and implement changes to industry standards and regulations, ensuring your ATM fleet remains compliant without the need for constant manual oversight. 

• Audit-ready reporting: Our secure Brink’s Insight Center web portal provides real-time visibility into your ATM network’s health, performance and security status, enabling streamlined reporting and easy access to the data needed for audits. 

• Hardware-independent, single supplier solution: We consolidate all ATM Managed Services, from Cash-in-Transit and maintenance to network monitoring and compliance, under a single, hardware-agnostic provider. This mitigates the risks and administrative overheads associated with managing multiple vendors and offers a predictable, single-point-of-accountability OpEx model. 

Risk mitigation: penalties, downtime and reputation 

The consequences of non-compliance and security breaches can be severe. Major card brands and sponsoring banks can impose significant fines for non-compliance with standards like PCI DSS. Outdated or non-compliant ATMs can be disconnected from processing networks, leading to a loss of service which has a direct impact on revenue and customer satisfaction. A security breach erodes customer trust and can cause irreparable harm to a brand’s reputation. 

Partnering with Brink’s for secure ATM operations  

With a proven track record of safeguarding assets and a commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats, Brink’s provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your ATM network is in capable hands. Compliance with evolving security standards is not a one-time task; it’s a continuous process that requires a dedicated and knowledgeable ATM partner. With our global scale and strategic investments in leading technology, Brink’s is uniquely positioned to be that partner. 

By entrusting your ATM channel to Brink’s, you gain a comprehensive solution that future-proofs your network, reduces operational burden and ensures your customers’ data and assets are protected to the highest standards. 

In a world where ATM security threats are constantly evolving, a proactive, end-to-end security strategy is non-negotiable. Is your ATM network protected?  

Contact Brink’s today to learn more.