The global banking sector’s dependence on Microsoft-based Windows XP operating system will soon put ATMs worldwide at risk, when Microsoft ends its technical support for Windows XP on 8 April 2014.
The move by Microsoft will result in ATMs not receiving regular security updates and hence will not be in compliance with the industry standards.
According to ATM supplier NCR marketing director, Robert Johnston, the Windows XP operating system of Microsoft currently dominates the ATM market, powering over 95% of the machines in the world and in the US.
To avoid being phased out, banks should upgrade their machines with Windows 7 operating system.
US-based ATM software provider KAL CEO, Aravinda Korala, was quoted by Bloomberg Businessweek as saying that he expects only 15% of bank ATMs in the US to be on Windows 7 by the April deadline.
"The ATM world is not really ready, and that’s not unusual. ATMs move more slowly than PCs," Korala added.
