What is POS Security? How to Protect Customer Data?
While POS (Point of Sale) systems are essential for businesses, it is important to care about their security too. These systems offer extreme convenience but also bring cyber threats along. If data security is ignored, your POS can share customer’s private information with unknown users which is why safeguarding it should be your priority.
In this blog, we will discuss what point of sale security is, its importance, and how you can ensure the same for protecting end-users’ information.
What is POS Security?
POS Security is all about putting protocols and security guidelines in the first place for safeguarding point-of-sale systems from data theft, unauthorized access & any kind of cyber threats.
As these systems collect sensitive user data (for instance: card/payment information), cybercriminals target such data repositories for collecting valuable data. So, a strong POS is not only necessary to keep secure customer data but also for retaining customer loyalty and maintaining your business’ trustworthiness in the market.
Why is POS System Security important?
Point-of-sale system security is vital from any perspective as it ensures the protection of integrity and confidentiality of customer’s private data. Leaving any loopholes for cybercriminals can cause security breaches, thus leading to open access to valuable customer data. It can end up as financial loss among individuals, affect business reputation negatively & make ventures undergo legal proceedings.
Customers share their personal information because they trust the business with their private and financial details. Any breach of the firm’s data security system erodes the trust irreparably.
How to ensure Point of Sale Systems Security?
Businesses need to adopt a comprehensive approach to protecting the security of POS systems. As these systems are connected to the internet, security remains a concern.
Here are some of the best ways to protect customer data:
1. Choose Dedicated Terminals
Having dedicated terminals could be the greatest step to take for trimming attack surfaces, thus making it tough for cyber fraudsters to breach security barriers. It is far better than having shared devices or terminals that are used for multiple purposes. You know your terminal is only engaged for transactions and used by a specific employee, to be precise. So, it is easy to identify any threatening circumstance.
2. Ensure Firewall Installation
Firewall performs gatekeeping of your point-of-sale system. It is capable of determining any security breach and informing the user with a notification for taking immediate action. This firewall installation creates a barrier against data thefts and establishes controlled authorization so that only authorized persons can access sensitive data.
3. Opt for Data Encryption
Make data encryption a rule for your point-of-sale system. When data encryption is turned ON, sensitive user data is stored as unreadable code during transmission or storage. So, even if someone breaches the system’s security, the data will be of no use to them as it’ll be non-readable without its decryption key.
4. Set Permissions
Not all of your employees can access everything your POS is capable of. To ensure this, you need to set employee permissions as per their job level so they can access the limited data they require for helping out customers. This allows sufficient information access and reduces the risk of data breach even by the employee.
For instance, the business owner needs POS data reports for analysis which should not be permitted for employees operating at checkout. So, set admin permissions accordingly which is different than employees.
5. Update Security Patches timely
Before blaming a data breach, ask yourself if you have well-maintained data security systems. Consistent updates and regular monitoring are suggested for keeping the POS system secure as expected. It also allows early identification of cyber infringements and takes immediate action accordingly. All you can do is:
➣ Update your POS Software regularly to ensure that the operating system, firewalls, and antivirus programs are running efficiently.
➣ If you’re fine with running automated updates, do it! You can be occupied by daily business operations while automating updates can look after the system’s security just right. It also reduces human errors while ensuring no important security updates are missed.
➣ Establish disaster recovery plans and educate your team regarding the same. Get them for hands-on practice so there is always a Plan B ready for minimizing the risk of financial loss or downtime. Anyone can take charge and sync the security as soon as possible.
➣ Incorporate regular backups, be it on-site or cloud storage. You can protect your customer data alongside the smooth functioning of daily business operations by doing so.
Prefer Only Genuine Provider for Secure POS
Choosing a genuine POS or EPOS Provider is crucial for keeping your system secure! While looking for a provider, shortlist those highlighting data security, offer transparent services, have disaster recovery plans handy, and have clear explanations on the accuracy of processes. You don’t just get peace of mind by choosing the best one but also avoid any data mishaps to retain customer’s loyalty and trust.
POS Security with Axcess IT EPOS
Axcess IT is a leader in providing secure EPOS solutions. Our systems are designed with cutting-edge security features that protect customer data while ensuring smooth operations. With our Clean Touch EPOS, you can be confident that your business and your customers are safe from cyber threats.
Ready for a FREE CONSULTATION for a tailored EPOS Solution guaranteeing optimal protection?
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