PIC Credit: PFCU

Touch screen technology is evident across all sectors and industries and it can be transformed into many appearances from kiosks, monitors, digital signage and PCs.

It can also be converted into ATMs, otherwise known in full as an automated teller machine or more commonly referred to as a cash machine.

A latest survey has revealed that the majority of cardholders protect their PINs and cover the ATM pin pad when keying in the four-numbered digits.

A report by the European ATM Security Team (EAST) in Edinburgh, Scotland showed that 65% of consumers cover the PIN pad protecting their PIN when drawing cash out at a hole in the wall. The online poll found that 23% of cardholders sometimes cover the PIN pad and a worrying 12% of the public never cover the PIN pad, putting themselves at risk of financial fraud.

The poll, which took place between January and March 2011, was undertaken as part of a scheme to educate cardholders to always conceal their pin because it thwarts thieves from using counterfeit copies of cards.

Lachlan Gunn, coordinator of EAST, said: “It is encouraging to see that 65 percent of poll respondents always cover their PIN at an ATM. If you are one of those who never covers his or her PIN, or who does it occasionally, remember that doing this is a top cardholder security tip recommended by EAST and by many other organizations.”

EAST officials recommend that if you cover your PIN you are at least protected against visual compromise. Experts warn that if a magnetic stripe on a card is conceded or skimmed, the criminals need your PIN to maximise fraudulent usage of it.

Gunn added: “Covering one’s PIN at an ATM, or at any other terminal, should be second nature to everyone—after all very few people would hold their wallet or purse open to allow others to easily see how much money they are carrying, so why advertise your PIN?”

Make sure your Touch screen unit is as safe and secure as possible, with Protouch; Europe’s number one manufacturer and distributor of touch screen technology.