How Do I Know my POS is Secure?
Most customers prefer to make their payments using credit cards. It’s swift and convenient, and they feel safer handling cards instead of cash. However, as technology advances, criminals get smarter and smarter. This makes customers worry about things like identity theft and card fraud. As a business, it’s important to protect your customers from violation.
The best way to keep your customers, their cards, and their money safe is to use the right POS (Point of Sale) device. Skimming may be the easiest way to steal identities and data. This is when a false magnetic strip is placed on top of an ATM or card reader. When the customer inserts their card, the skimmer collects and stores their data.
Get the right POS device
Later, the criminals will peel off the skimmer and use the data to create dummy cards. They can use these dummy cards to access the customer’s account and use their funds. Your Point of Sales system needs to be completely secure so that your customers aren’t compromised. There are three main types of POS: portable, stationary, and virtual.
Stationary devices include ATMs and tills that have a card slot. Portable devices are the type carried by restaurant service staff, delivery men, or even some taxis. Virtual POS are for online purchases, primarily used on websites and apps. There are also mobile card readers that straddle the space between portable and virtual card readers.
Double-check the URL
Ideally, you should get all your Point of Sales systems from the same source. A good merchant processor will have a system that offers all four options. Some payment processors will even offer POS devices as a free option. When you first open your merchant account, study the merchant processor’s website carefully, and look at their URL (i.e., their website address).
If the URL starts with https:// that means it’s a secure site, so you can probably trust their services and POS. If it’s just http:// then it’s a lot less safe to transact cards or cash on their website. Transactions on such a site can be intercepted, which means their POS can be targeted as well.
Look out for PCI QIR compliance
Merchant processors are usually very open about their credentials and compliance rates. PCI (Payment Card Industry) is the main regulation for card security. They also have additional QIR (Qualified Integrators & Resellers) requirements. Your payment processor’s website should have a clear indicator of their compliance with both these standards.
You should also ask about their encryption. Look for a merchant processor that can guarantee you a high level of encryption–preferably military-grade encryption–for your data. In addition, find out whether they can extend an SSL certificate to you. That’s what adds the ‘s’ to your website, making it a secure https:// and it will boost your customers confidence.
For more information on confirming whether your POS is secure, or to sign up for a merchant account, please call (888) 924-2743 or go to Charge.com.