Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) is described. The terminal (10) includes a plurality of modules (14) arranged in a network (16) so that the modules are operable to communicate using the network (16). Each module (14) has storage means (34) for storing data and cipher means (32) for encrypting and decrypting communications, whereby the cipher means (32) is operable to encrypt data prior to sending or receiving a communication, and subsequently to decrypt a received encrypted communication by applying a Boolean function to the encrypted data and to the received encrypted communication. A module (14) for use in an SST (10) and a method of encrypting a communication for transmission between interconnected modules (14) in a self-service terminal (10) are also described.

Abstract: A portable terminal (10) for encrypting information is described. The terminal (10) generates a new key for each transaction, where the new key is generated using one or more properties of the terminal (10). The one or more properties are variable and may include the history of usage of the terminal, and/or the date and time settings. The terminal (10) may generate a unique challenge in addition to the new key so that a unique challenge can be issued for each transaction. A method of encrypting information in a portable terminal, a method of communicating encrypted information between a portable terminal and a self-service terminal, and a transaction system comprising a self-service terminal (52) and a portable terminal (10) are also described.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (20) for displaying public information notices is described. The terminal comprises a display (52) and a network connection (32). The terminal accesses a notice database (18) to retrieve a notice associated with the terminal (20), and incorporates the retrieved notice in a screen (130) for displaying on the display (52). The terminal (20) may be an ATM. A method of supplying a notice for displaying on a self-service terminal, and a system for controlling presentation of notices on a self-service terminal are also described.

Abstract: A system and methods for implementing a low cost and simple PIN encryption device is disclosed. The PIN encryption device may be incorporated into customer transaction terminals, ATMs and PIN pads for use with POS terminals or other transaction devices. The PIN encryption device securely stores PIN encryption keys and PIN encryption algorithms that are used to encrypt user entered PINs on a cryptographic smart card. The system disclosed is a physically secure device that protects the integrity of the encryption keys and algorithms. The system also protects the cryptographic smart card from tampering, and prevents the discovery of PIN data by tapping the external interfaces of the customer transaction terminal.

Abstract: A financial agent (70) resident on a secure network terminal, such as an ATM (10), is described. The financial agent (70) is capable of operating as a financial instrument having a predetermined spending limit. The agent (70) is also operable to create one or more sub-agents not being capable of operating as a financial instrument but being able to negotiate, whereby the financial agent (70) is able to create a sub-agent to negotiate with other entities, without providing the sub-agent with any authority for executing a transaction or any knowledge of the spending limit available. A financial agent system (2), and a method of conducting transactions using a financial agent (70), are also described.