A skimming ring in New York City stole $1.5 million from 40 different ATMs last year.

As technology and security systems for ATMs continue to improve, ATM thieves are turning back the clock to commit fraud against unsuspecting ATM users and owners.

Card skimming is appealing to ATM thieves because the devices are relatively easy to install and they don't require much expertise to work with. Using just a screwdriver, an experienced criminal can approach an ATM machine and attach a skimmer to the device within one minute, which doesn't leave much time for ATM owners to catch thieves in the act.

Instances of ATM skimming were widely reported upon last year. Earlier this month, law enforcement officials broke up a skimming ring that stole $1.5 million from consumers at 40 different ATMs in New York City. But, according to ATM industry experts, this incident and others like it will pale in comparison to such crimes in 2012.

"Skimming fraud is an epidemic," Mike Urban, who oversees product management for the financial crimes division of technology solutions provider Fiserv, told Bank Info Security. "And it continues to grow every year."

Another ATM expert, McAfee security consultant Robert Siciliano, told the news source he expected 2012 to be the "Year of the Skimmer." His assessment is likely based upon a growing trend of thefts related to skimming – the average amount stolen from an ATM via a skimming device climbed to $50,000 in 2011, up from $20,000 in 2010, according to fraud analyst Julie McNelley.

In light of these incidents, and the fact that many criminals have had the opportunity to refine their methods, Triton ATM and Hyosung ATM owners, as well as merchants who plan to purchase an ATM, must protect themselves from fraudsters. An experienced ATM reseller can provide valuable customer service and suggest tips for preventing fraud occurrences, but ultimately owners must constantly monitor their outdoor ATM machines using sophisticated camera equipment and their own vigilance.

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