Patent Application
20080067232
The Self Service Terminal shown in
The PC core 208 comprises a memory 214 arranged to store data. The memory 214 is capable of storing persistent data, i.e. storing data in a non-volatile manner. The PC Core 208 further comprises a requesting means 216 which is arranged to request and receive data from the chips 212 and a comparing means 218 arranged to compare identity data received by the requesting means with identity data stored in the memory 214. The PC Core 208 further comprises a security means 220, arranged to carry out a security routine to verify the identity of a maintenance operator or engineer and to ensure that that person is authorized to install a replacement component 202, 204, 206.
In normal use of the ATM 100, a user inserts a card bearing a magnetic strip and/or an encrypted data chip, usually a bank card, into the card slot 104. The card reader 206 reads the magnetic strip or encrypted data chip to obtain details associated with the card, including encrypted Personal Identification Number (PIN) data. The screen 102 is then used to display a message asking the user to enter a PIN, which the user then enters using the key pad 106. The input made is supplied to the encrypting PIN pad 202, which encrypts the entered number. The result of this encryption is compared with the encrypted PIN data read from the card and, assuming that there is a match, the user can access services though the ATM 100 by using the menu selection buttons 108 to select services shown on the screen 102. If the user asks for cash, the cash dispenser unit 204 will pick the required notes from a series of stacks of currency providing different denominations and transfer the cash to the dispensing slot 110, where it can be collected by the user.
Two further examples of start-up of the ATM 100 are now described. The process on ‘first ever’ start-up of the ATM 100 is described with reference to the flow chart of
Prior to ‘first ever’ start up, the ATM 100 is built using known source components to provide the encrypting PIN pad 202, the cash dispenser unit 204, the card reader 206 and the PC core 208 (step 302). In this context, by a ‘known source’ it is meant that that the manufacturer of the component 202, 204, 206 may be known and has been identified as a trusted source of high-quality, reliable components 202, 204, 206. The requesting means 216 of the PC core 208 requests manufacturer identity data from the components 202, 204, 206 via the system bus 120 (step 304). Each of the components 202, 204, 206 supply the requested data, which in this example comprises a serial number in step 306. This is then stored as persistent data in the memory 214 of the PC core 208 in step 306.
In each subsequent start-up (step 402), the requesting means 216 of the PC core 208 again requests manufacturer identity data from the components 202, 204, 206 via the system bus 120 (step 404). Each of the components 202, 204, 206 supply the requested data to the requesting means 216 in step 406. The comparing means 218 of the PC core 208 checks each of the supplied identities against those stored in the memory in step 408. If there is no change in any of the identity data, then the ATM start-up completes in step 409. If however the identity of one or more of the components has changed, the comparing means 218 of the PC core 208 checks to see whether the new components come from a trusted source in step 410.
In this embodiment, the identity of a component from a known source is in the from of a serial number which conforms to a predetermined format which can be processed to verify its authenticity. However, in other embodiments, the PC core 208 may be arranged to verify the identity against identities stored in a database, which may be remote from the ATM 100.
If the new components 202, 204, 206 do not come from a trusted source then the ATM 100 is disabled in step 412. If however the new components do come from a trusted source then the PC core 208 requests that the engineer enters security data to ensure that the installation of the new component(s) has been made by an authorized individual (step 414). In this example, the security data is provided in the form USB security dongle known in this context as a Service Security Key.
In step 416, the security means 220 of the PC core 208 checks whether the Service Security Key belongs to an authorized engineer. If this is not the case then the ATM 100 is disabled in step 418. If the engineer is authorized, then the PC core updates its memory 214 with the new identification data in step 420. The start up of the ATM 100 then completes in step 422.
It will be understood that the above description of a preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. For example, the chips 212 could be replaced with Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags or other remotely accessible data stores such as those readable using Bluetooth® or Infrared technologies. As these devices can be read remotely, this removes the need for a system bus 214.
