The problem can be looked at one of two ways.
RBS either has a legitimate problem with the computer network that serves their ATM network or this is an excuse that they are using to try and prevent a run on their bank.
It’s mind boggling that they could have no isolated “hot spare” system. Unless there is actual active internal sabotage or some kind of massive hack attack going on, I’d say that a lot of people high-up in their IT department are going to have to leave, and, if they are lucky, go back to fixing PC’s.
The liability potential is pretty serious; I notice on their website that payments to others are affected and that they will “pay any penalties involved”. That won’t help if you wind up with a lot of black marks on your credit.
Many we should check Wiki and see what it says?