What is POS Security and How to Protect Data in POS Environments?

How Pos Security Compromises Work

Acknowledge that all POS systems do have some level of risk with regards to security. Many attackers are looking for targets using systems that are vulnerable and launching automated attacks on their POS environments.

In the primary stage, an attacker can get access to the targeted systems, often by exploiting systems vulnerability or through social engineering methods. Once getting inside, the attacker installs malware, which spreads until it can get to the systems memory and collect the desired data. From that point the data is moved to another place inside the targets environment for aggregation and finally offloaded to an external location accessible by the attacker.

Best Practices for Pos Security

Businesses need to take care of several measures to improve POS security, and avoid POS data breaches:

• • Encrypt all POS data when entered and decrypt it just when it reaches at the payment processor.
• • Implement app whitelisting, which allows necessary app to keep running on a POS system. Any apps that can add risk, like web browsers or email, are blocked, thus preventing malware infections through these channels.
• • Stay up to date with the latest epos software updates, which often contain important security patches implemented as a result of newly discovered vulnerabilities. Patch management is important for a secure system.
• • Perform regular vulnerability testing to identify weaknesses. Install ways and protections that address any vulnerability detected.
• • Monitor all activity in POS systems and information for any anonymous activity and signs of threat.
• • Segment any networks used by POS systems.
• • Use complex, secure passwords and two-factor authentication.
• • Install antivirus software, periodically scanning systems for malicious files.
• • Also consider physical security for your POS system. Cyber criminals may attempt to connect card skimmers to a POS device to take customer card numbers when they scan their cards to make payments. Train staff to be on the look for these kinds of activities.

The Need for Pos Security

POS security is challenging because of the sheer volume of both known and unknown threats that exist, combined with the value that POS system data holds for cyber criminals. Moreover, the number of dangers facing POS system keeps on a rise because of the fact that new POS malware is being created or updated constantly. Regardless of the above said challenges, enterprises such as retail, hospitality or others that depend heavily on POS systems should prioritize POS security, as these systems handle with the important customer data and a breach of customer payment data can be exceptionally costly both literally and in terms of harm to your organization`s reputation. By implementing measures to make sure POS systems and transactions and training staff on POS security policies, organizations can drastically lessen their likelihood of experiencing an expensive POS security incident.