Imagine what was going on in the minds of the former Target CEO and CIO after they realized they could have prevented the 2014 Target store hack if they had implemented an auto-eradication feature in their FireEye anti-malware system. 

 

Tragic, don't you think? More so, once you realize that a secure POS system is all the company needs to safeguard both their customers and their resources – Target paid close to $60 million in compensation and legal fees following the breach into customer credit card information. 

 

The sad reality is that Target is not the only company to experience a POS breach. Wendy's, Home Depot, and most recently, Macy's have also had hackers steal their customer's payment and personal information. Therefore, if you have a POS system within your business processes, you have no choice but to boost its security. This is how:

Implement End To End Encryption

Self-explanatory but still worth mentioning. The purpose of using an encrypted system is that it protects your customer data from being hacked. For instance, the credit card information is usually encrypted from the moment it is stored in the POS system. 

An avid encryption system will also protect this data once it is moved to the server. As a result, information is always secure and protected regardless of the entry points the hackers try to exploit. Ensure the data is only decrypted once it is at the payment processor. 

Have An Antivirus Software

Unless you are using Apple devices throughout your organization, antivirus software is something to consider for protecting your POS system. Endpoint protection software is especially keen on protecting your POS system from harmful malware attacks. 

It works by scanning the software integrated with your POS system and identifying any possible issues with your apps or files. If a potential attack or breach is specified, the antivirus sends you an alert that prompts you to clear your device of any present malware. 

Consider Code Signing For Security

This strategy ensures that every program within your POS system is checked before operating. It works by assigning a cryptographic value as a tamper-verifiable control into a specific binary executable file. 

Adopt Whitelist Technology

Whitelisting works because it only allows software and systems with permission to run within your POS system. Any unauthorized apps or intruders are shut out from accessing your POS system. 

Invest In Chip Readers

Chip cards use EMV technology that enables customers to prevent shifting. The EMV cards have a unique transaction code generated for every transaction, making it difficult to copy payment information or credit card data. 

Use Strong Passwords

Your entire organization should learn to use complex and secure passwords for the POS system. Complex passwords have letters, numbers, symbols, and at least one capital letter. Add a second security layer by enabling two-factor authentication, where users should confirm their identity when they try to access the POS system. And in 6 months, update these passwords. 

 

 

Keep Your Systems Updated

Outdated software gives hackers vulnerable spots to introduce malware. Therefore, you want to keep your entire POS system updated. The disadvantage you might have here is that most POS systems used in retail businesses don't have the security features of newer models. Therefore, hire experts to help you keep your systems modern and updated. 

Maintain PCI-Compliance

All your card readers, routers, online shopping carts, networks, and servers should comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). A professional with expertise in the area can help you determine whether your business complies. 

Take inventory of all your business processes and IT assets, and then actively monitor them to ensure no vulnerabilities exist within the system. The PCI DSS council also recommends that cardholder data be eliminated unless it is needed for use. 

Additionally, communication with the different card brands and banks should remain consistent to ensure a free flow of communication in case a breach occurs. 

Monitor Your Systems

A monitoring service will detect cashier breaches in real time because they send POS data and video clips. On the other hand, the POS terminal's video surveillance records payment information when any card is swiped during payments. Therefore, if any wandering occurs, the movement is captured on surveillance. 

Secure Your Systems (Even from your employees)

Did you know that 66% of data breaches are often insider jobs? Unfortunately, only 10% of the security protocols are usually focused on internal threats. And while you want to believe that most of your employees are not harboring nefarious intentions, you can never be sure until you are sure. 

 

So, why take the chance when you can protect yourself from possible insider jobs like stolen devices that are accessed and hacked? In other cases, simple acts like using devices in public wi-fi also open opportunities for attack. 

 

For instance, a hacker can send a phishing email introducing malicious malware into your POS system. As such, one of the essential steps to take when boosting your POS security is locking down your systems where necessary. 

 

Include company protocols that prohibit employees from taking office devices outside the office premises. If this cannot be avoided, what with remote and hybrid workplaces, ensure you install protective measures like antivirus and encryption software for every employee device. 

Otherwise, isolate your POS system from external networks by leaving critical tasks to internal processes. Also, train your employees to look for attacks like phishing emails. And make them accountable in case a device is lost or stolen. 

Run Tests Often

Plan regular tests and checks to ensure your security protocols are updated and working efficiently. Tests are also excellent for identifying any security issues fast. 

Use An iPad For POS 

As mentioned, Apple products provide the best security. Also, most malware attacks occur quickly because most business systems have two or more apps running simultaneously. But with an iPad, only one app can run through your system at a time.  Therefore, it automatically provides the best security system for your POS software. 

 

 

 

 

The need for POS security is dire, but it can be challenging if you do not know what threats to protect yourself from or the most vulnerable aspects of your organization. Ultimately, you need the proper methods to prevent a POS breach. Besides, threats against POS systems continue to increase because malware is developed and updated continuously. 

 

Therefore, you need a robust security system to protect your business from new attacks. Alternatively, find a POS vendor that does all the heavy lifting. For instance, we have designed our Erply POS system with security in mind. 

 

With us, every step is calculated carefully. We start by securing your product development processes and controlling your employees' access to customer data. Part of our internal security protocol is ensuring every employee knows their responsibility towards your customers. 

 

After that, we start to provide top-level data processing practices like defining the right to data, choosing data storage locations, and embedding the General Data Protection Regulations within our systems. 

 

Lastly, we focus on improving your hardware and firewalls to protect your POS system and customer data. This is just the tip of the iceberg. So, if you want a partner that keeps your security at the forefront of their services, get a free demo or consultation from us.