Developed using Cisco Security Agent (CSA), Wincor Nixdorf's Platform Security Agent (PSA) helps secure self-service system platforms against network and local attacks, helping banks protect against the increasing frequency of threats to their self-service systems. Effective immediately, Wincor Nixdorf will integrate the PSA as an additional security module in its self-service system platform.

As banks begin to embrace Web 2.0 paradigms and offer ATM devices that act as multimedia self-service kiosks running on converged IP networks, Wincor Nixdorf's reliance on Cisco and CSA will help them strengthen security for their customers. This is especially critical as today's banks defend against the increasing frequency of unpredictable and unknown network attacks. Virus scanning software and firewalls can only protect networks against known attacks. However, the new solution from Wincor Nixdorf and Cisco makes it possible to pre-empt attacks before they are carried out. PSA thwarts local attacks - such as modifications to the system or manipulation of the software - that are carried out via portable storage media (USB stick or CD-ROM) as well as network attacks like Trojans and spyware. The solution works on the principle that "anything that is not explicitly allowed is forbidden" and continually and seamlessly monitors an extremely wide spectrum of applications and operating systems. All non-authorized actions are graded as threats and the affected application is deleted from memory. This process hinders the unauthorized download of new software to the ATM network and keeps attackers from making changes to existing software components.

"With the Cisco Security Agent, you don't have to experience the effects of an attack before you can stop it," says Alan Kirby, vice president of engineering for Cisco's security business unit. "CSA enables Wincor Nixdorf's PSA solution to help users employ better network defense tactics. PSA represents a new breed of computer security product that expands network defense beyond the realm of traditional antivirus protection."

"This product offering from Wincor Nixdorf and Cisco ensures sustained improvements in security for the IT systems of retail banks," comments Reinhard Rabenstein, Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer at Wincor Nixdorf.