Why Do ATM Keypads Use Metal Instead of Other Materials?

Are you curious as to why ATM keypads are made of metal? The answer lies ahead, so read on to satisfy your curiosity!

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With the rise in popularity of online transactions, ATMs have become a familiar sight. But have you ever wondered why most ATM keyboards are made of metal? Let’s explore the reasons behind this design choice together!

1 Why ATM Keypads are Usually Made of Metal

Information security, especially password protection, is a top concern for many individuals. When it comes to ATMs, passwords are critical. Compromised passwords can lead to significant financial losses for account holders.

Password security is of utmost importance

This is why banks opt for metal keypads for their ATMs. Metal keypads play a significant role in securing and preventing the leakage of customer passwords, thereby reducing the risk of theft from your account.

2 Benefits of Metal ATM Keypads

According to a research group specializing in security at UC San Diego, pressing ATM keys leaves behind thermal traces. To the naked eye, nothing seems amiss. However, with an infrared camera, you will notice red streaks indicating the pressed numbers.

Plastic keypads can expose your password through thermal traces

You might think that knowing the numbers without the order would still make it challenging to guess the password. Here lies the danger of heat-retaining materials like plastic.

When using an IR camera, you will see traces of varying intensity, allowing one to infer the sequence of pressed buttons. This makes it easier for criminals to obtain your PIN.

Metal keypads have good electrical conductivity, and their temperature changes rapidly, securing your PIN.

The difference lies in the electrical conductivity of metal. When a key is pressed, the temperature of the keypad changes rapidly. This makes it challenging for criminals to obtain any useful information from the keypad’s temperature, effectively safeguarding your ATM password.

Tip: What if you have to use an ATM with plastic keys?

If you find yourself at an ATM with plastic keys, there’s a trick to prevent password leakage.

After completing your transactions, place your hand on all the keys before leaving to transfer your body heat to them.

Place your hand on all the keys after completing your transactions

By doing so, you’ll raise the temperature of the keys, making it challenging for criminals to discern your password, even with an IR camera. However, as criminal tactics evolve, it’s essential to stay vigilant during transactions.

Note: Remember to use hand sanitizer after touching ATM keypads to maintain good hygiene!

Now you know why ATM keypads are made of metal. Stay alert whenever you use an ATM, and share this knowledge with your loved ones. Thank you for reading!

Frequently asked questions

ATM keypads use metal because it is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand frequent use and environmental factors such as weather and vandalism. Metal keypads are also less prone to wear and tear, and they provide a tactile response, making it easier for users to feel the buttons and enter their PIN accurately.

Metal keypads offer several advantages over other types of keypads. They are more resistant to physical damage and tampering, which enhances the security of the ATM. Additionally, metal keypads are less likely to suffer from functionality issues caused by dirt, dust, or liquid ingress, ensuring a reliable user experience.

Metal keypads provide a tactile and responsive user experience. The metal buttons are easy to feel and press, reducing the chances of users making errors when entering their PIN. This is particularly important for individuals with visual impairments or those who may have difficulty using a touchscreen interface.

While metal keypads are the most common and widely used option for ATMs, there are alternative materials such as plastic or silicone. However, these alternatives may not offer the same level of durability, security, and tactile response as metal keypads. In terms of cost, metal keypads are typically more expensive upfront, but their longevity can make them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Metal keypads enhance the security of ATMs by being more resistant to physical breach attempts. The metal material makes it harder for criminals to drill, cut, or tamper with the keypad, protecting the sensitive information entered by users. Additionally, metal keypads can be designed with features such as Braille dots for added security and accessibility.
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