Tougher security for ATMs mulled

hOng KOng: The Monetary Authority confirmed it would look into using face recognition or fingerprint technology in the city’s cash machines to beef up financial security.

After an exclusive South China Morning Post report that local banks may need to boost ATM security in the battle against money laundering, HKMA chairman Norman Chan Taklam revealed they would study the facial recognition technology, which is being adopted in Macau.

He said they might also use fingerprint scanners, for an added layer of security.

“We have just found out that Macau has this new technology,” Chan said after a Legislative Council meeting,” said Chan.

“We will be studying this technology to see if it can enhance security, because there are still other possibilities. For example, some people are suggesting whether fingerprint verification can be used.

“Can this replace the use of passwords or will the two be used at the same time?” — South China Morning Post