Cyber Defence Force

The Ultimate Point-of-Sale Security Guide for Merchants

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The Ultimate Point-of-Sale Security Guide for Merchants


The Ultimate Point-of-Sale Security Guide for Merchants

Take the measures necessary to protect yourself and your customers with an all encompassing point-of-sale security checklist. A must read for all merchants.

What is a Point-of-Sale (POS) System?

A POS system is today’s digital cash register. It facilitates transactions at any location where a sale is occurring. This can be in a physical store, in the field, or online.

What Makes Up a POS System?

A physical POS system contains both hardware and software. The hardware includes a touchscreen computer device or tablet, a barcode scanner, a card reader, a receipt printer, and a cash drawer if the merchant accepts cash.

Types of POS Systems

  • POS apps
  • Online POS
  • Mobile POS
  • Terminal POS
  • Tablet/Touch-Screen POS
  • Cloud-based POS
  • Open-source POS
  • Multichannel POS
  • Self-service kiosk

How Are POS Systems Breached?

  • Cyber attacks on online POS systems
  • Malware threats to POS systems

Data Breach Consequences

  • Compromised point-of-sale security can have catastrophic consequences.
  • The healthcare sector is the hardest hit, with an average of $7.13 million in losses.
  • Once a criminal has access to credit card information, your customers’ sensitive data and finances are at risk.
  • Fortunately, tighter POS security measures have decreased data breach costs by a few million dollars every year.

How to Secure Your Merchant POS System

  • Physically securing your POS devices
  • Investing in a security company
  • Inspecting POS hardware for tampering
  • Monitoring POS device activity
  • Keeping your POS software up-to-date
  • Using advanced password protection
  • Educating your employees on criminal activity schemes
  • Implementing application whitelists
  • Using EMV and contactless card readers
  • Protecting cardholder PINs
  • Installing antivirus software
  • Dividing your POS Wi-Fi from other networks
  • Limiting POS system access levels
  • Protecting multi-platform POS systems
  • Employing end-to-end encryption
  • Becoming PCI compliant

Conclusion

Securing your POS system can be a challenge due to the magnitude of threats. However, prioritizing POS security is key. By implementing protective measures, you can reduce the likelihood of criminal activity on your consumer information and POS devices.


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