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AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES (ATMs): TEST OF RESISTANCE TO ATTACK WITH A CLUB

(Pubbl. 26/05/2026)

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are unfortunately subject to burglary attempts aimed at stealing the cash stored inside them. To counter these incidents, protection devices are installed around the cash dispensing slot.
To assess the reliability of these solutions, they should undergo tests conducted according to rigorous and repeatable criteria, capable of simulating realistic attack conditions. The Security laboratory of Istituto Giordano is able to perform all the tests required to evaluate the resistance of these security systems.

The tested device

The product tested is an ATM security device designed to protect the cash dispensing slot.
Installed externally on the ATM, in the withdrawal area, the device incorporates a movable shutter made of thick steel, kept in the closed position through mechanical interlocks. This configuration creates a physical barrier against tampering or forced opening attempts, helping to preserve the integrity of the cash dispensing system.

SLEDGEHAMMER ATTACK RESISTANCE TEST

To evaluate the performance of the device, a sledgehammer attack resistance test was carried out, aimed at simulating a direct burglary attempt against the shutter.
The test was performed by applying repeated blows with a sledgehammer having the following characteristics:

Length: (800 ± 50) mm
Head weight: (3.5 ± 0.25) kg

The attack was applied directly to the shutter for a total operational duration of 5 minutes, with the aim of verifying its behavior under stress and, in particular, its ability to maintain the closed position.
To pass the test, the shutter was not allowed to lower by 2 cm or more compared to its initial position. This threshold represented the reference parameter for evaluating the system’s resistance to impacts and deformation.
At the end of the test, the device successfully passed, meeting the required conditions.