European Commission Environmental Policies

As most members have seen, there has been a recent “Live Earth” global music concert to raise awareness of environmental issues. ATMIA were ahead of the pack by raising awareness in our last news letter, but just in case you missed it, the key message is given again.

Our last report confirmed that the European Commission had completed an environmental study relating to the impact of “cash”.

Summary of the European Commission findings:

1. The note production phase represents less than 15% of the environmental “points” for the complete life cycle. The ATM and the CIT distribution are roughly equal at just over 40% of the environmental “points”
2. Environmental “points” are defined, not just by power usage, but production of raw materials, manufacture, waste production, gas emissions etc – so a complex formula.
3. The total environmental effect is similar to every household in the EU having 3 x 60watt light bulbs on permanently !!
4. ATMIA together with our members should internally promote two things which could have a major impact in reducing the environmental profile

• Local recycling using both automated deposit ATM’s and cash recycling ATM’s
• Investigate introducing a “deep sleep” mode for ATM’s during silent hours or when retail stores are closed (similar to a PC which automatically goes to a power saving mode when not in use. This could be a big “green” sales pitch, and would save a significant amount of power. However the potential impact on service needs to be assessed, as “power down” situations have shown a trend for increased service calls.

Any member comments or observations would be appreciated.    

European Standards

CEN/TC263/WG4  Note degradation Working Group committee

The UK has been asked to send a further member, and David Milner (Chairman Euricpa) has been recommended. His comments on the position are given below:

“As Chairman of EURICPA I was able to take an Observer position within WG4 and therfore did not feel that it was necessary to be part of the UK Mirror Group. However, since two of the EURICPA members felt strongly that I should present a more polarised viewpoint or none at all, I feel that it would be important for me to contribute through the Country representation route and if at all possible, take part in the recently convened Task Group. EURICPA will not take part in the Task Group work, so as to allow the manufacturers to give their own views directly.

My personal view is that a European Standard is not neccessarily needed. But if it is to proceed, it absolutely should not do so in its current format which is wholly innapropriate for many European countries. Indeed, If this norm is to be useable by many or all European member states, its format should be more like CEN TC263 WG1 (safes) which uses a layered approach.

This would allow countries like France and Sweden to choose the highest levels if they so wish, and other countries that do not have the same crime profiles to select levels more appropriate with their local situation.  This would get much closer to the ESTA position and offer flexibility to those member states that decide to use it.

The danger of using the current document is as follows:

1. Fundamental issues such as reliability and Health & Safety have not been addressed (A valid and important point raised by ESTA)
   
   
2. Sweden have already legislated following pressure from the SIS on the Justice department and national Police, and stated their intent to implement the WG4 document for all CIT in Sweden as soon as it is published.
   
   
3. The decision to legislate in Sweden has been made by individuals who freely admit they are not expert in either security or CIT matters, following extensive lobbying by a local company. This has put the Swedish CIT industry into chaos, forcing them to act in a manner that is both inappropriate and unnecessary. There is a very real risk that legislators with a similar lack of expertise in other member states would take the same line. Whilst being good short-term for some manufacturers, it is not in the interests of the CIT industry as a whole.'

If you have any comments on this position statement please let me know graham@atmia.com.

Bank of Scotland – New Notes

For those members who use cash counting equipment, or note dispensing systems, you should be aware of the proposed introduction of the new notes in Scotland. If you are not aware and are interested please contact Bank of Scotland as given below:

Contact Sue Grant, Telephone 0131 317 6983, e-mail Stuart_Grant@bankofscotland.co.uk

Or obtain information from the website www.bankofscotland.co.uk/banknotes

Central e-Crime Coordination Unit

A new UK Police Centralised National e-Crime Unit has been set up in New Scotland Yard, London headed by Commander Sue Wilkinson. This unit has been set up in order to coordinate crime fighting, with Industry support, across the UK and in conjunction with other European, US, and key International agencies.

The Central e-Crime Co-ordination Unit will address all internet, computer and mobile phone crime activities, either in terms of the use of the devices for direct criminal intent or for the transfer of information which may be used for criminal intent. The proposed structure will be based on five strands of work currently under development. These are Prevention, Intelligence, Research & Development, Partnership Development, and Coordination. An additional unit to this will be a Police Computer Immediate Response Team to provide fast time capability a national and international level to deal with e-crime critical incidents.

ATMIA were invited to participate in the Industry Engagement Seminar on 20th June, and have provided information based on the ATMIA Cyber Security Best Practice Manual.

Hear more at the SEC 7 Conference in London 8/9 October when the National e-Crime Unit will present further information. See www.atmiaconferences.com for further details.