For retailers, point-of-sale (POS) systems have evolved from simple cash registers into advanced terminals orchestrating sales, inventory, and customer data management. Their role as the hubs of retail operation, facilitating finance, and transaction data, underscores the necessity for heightened security measures.
When a POS system’s security is compromised, the impact can be severe, extending beyond immediate financial losses. Navigating these potential pitfalls necessitates investing in robust, effective POS security. This article covers the importance of POS security, details the most common security threats for retailers, and explores strategies for safeguarding POS systems.
What is point-of-sale (POS) security?
Point-of-sale (POS) security is a set of measures to protect the systems and infrastructure used to process retail transactions from cyber threats. These systems handle sensitive customer data, making them appealing targets for cybercriminals. POS security includes a suite of protections such as network security, data encryption, strong authentication protocols, and up-to-date anti-malware defenses.
The consequences of a POS system breach include financial loss, regulatory penalties, and reputational harm. Given this, investing in POS security is not merely a compliance or risk management strategy; it’s a fundamental part of maintaining customer trust and ensuring business resilience.
How does POS security work?
POS security works through a combination of hardware, software, and procedural measures designed to protect POS systems and the sensitive customer data they process.
Here are a few different areas covered by POS security:
1. Hardware and software integrity
This piece involves the maintenance of your POS devices and software. Keeping your POS system’s operating system and software updated, installing antivirus software to prevent POS malware infections, and maintaining the physical security of your POS device are all part of this category.
2. Data protection measures
This area focuses on safeguarding sensitive customer data—including credit card data—processed and stored within your POS system’s memory. Ensuring end-to-end encryption during payment processing, backing up POS data to secure cloud systems, and implementing two-factor authentication are all measures to protect this sensitive data.
3. Regulatory compliance
This sphere involves compliance with industry standards like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Maintaining PCI DSS compliance helps protect payment card data, ensures your system meets the security measures set by the PCI Security Standards Council, and shields your business from potential penalties.
4. Employee training and access control
This focus includes educating your team about POS security policies, cyber threats, secure passwords, and the importance of protecting POS system data.
5. Ongoing monitoring and incident response
This facet involves continual surveillance of POS environments for unusual activities and potential breaches, alongside a robust response plan for POS attacks.
What are the common types of security threats faced by POS systems?
POS systems are often targeted due to the rich trove of sensitive data they process. Here are some common security threats these systems face:
1. Outdated software
When operating system updates and patches for POS software are not regularly installed, it can leave the system vulnerable to new forms of attacks.
2. POS malware
Malware is designed to infiltrate the system and steal customer payment information directly from the POS system’s memory.
3. Physical tampering
Physical security threats involve unauthorized users accessing the POS device and installing malicious hardware or software.
4. Network threats
If a POS system uses a non-secure wireless network for payment processing, cybercriminals can potentially intercept this data.
5. Non-compliance with PCI DSS
PCI DSS sets the minimum security measures for cardholder data. Non-compliance can make a system more susceptible to breaches and result in penalties.
6. Phishing attacks
Cybercriminals may send phishing emails to employees to gain access to the POS software. These deceptive emails mimic legitimate communication and lure recipients into providing login credentials or clicking on a link that installs malware.
7. Insider threats
Employees with access to the POS system and customer data can, maliciously or unintentionally, cause a data breach.
9 ways to secure your POS system
- Update and regularly patch POS software
- Use antivirus software
- Employ two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Use end-to-end encryption for payment systems
- Maintain a secure network for your business devices
- Use payment devices and POS software that that follow PCI standards
- Train your retail employees
- Leverage POS staff roles and permissions
- Keep cameras near your POS system
Securing your POS system is a multifaceted task that requires both technological and human interventions. Here are nine security strategies to protect your POS system:
1. Update and regularly patch POS software
Regular updates often include patches for known security vulnerabilities, preventing cybercriminals from exploiting them. By having the latest POS software installed, you protect your system against new POS malware and other threats, and automating updates can ensure that they are not missed or delayed. The operating system of your POS device, whether a computer system or a handheld device, requires regular updates as well, and these often contain security updates.
2. Use antivirus software
Protect your POS devices from malware with robust antivirus software, which can detect and eliminate threats before they infiltrate your system. Periodic scans, coupled with real-time protection, can help your business prevent any malicious activity, providing a layer of defense to safeguard sensitive customer payment information.
3. Employ two-factor authentication (2FA)
Implementing 2FA can significantly increase your POS system’s security. This requires users to confirm their identity using two separate methods, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access. Adding an additional layer of security, such as a biometric confirmation or a time-sensitive code, alongside a robust password, your POS system becomes more resilient against cyber threats and reduces the risk of data breaches.
4. Use end-to-end encryption for payment systems
Select a card reader payment solution that employs end-to-end encryption to ensure that payment card data is securely transmitted. By converting the data into an unreadable format, you prevent unauthorized parties from accessing sensitive information, even if they manage to intercept the transaction data. This protects your customers’ payment information, and, in turn, prevents your shop from being implicated in fraudulent activity while preserving your business’s reputation as a trustworthy provider.
5. Maintain a secure network for your business devices
Performing regular assessments of your network can help identify potential weak points and ensure that your security measures are up to par. These assessments can include ensuring the safety of your Wi-Fi networks, testing the strength of your firewalls, and checking for secure connections in your broader payment processing network. Mobile devices that process orders and payments should never be modified in any way (“jailbreak” for iOS, “rooting” for Android) as these “hacks” leave your devices vulnerable.
6. Use payment devices and POS software that follow PCI standards
Compliance with PCI (Payment Card Industry) standards is mandatory for accepting credit card payments. Regularly check your adherence to PCI requirements and other relevant regulations. Non-compliance can expose your system to threats and potentially result in penalties. Mobile devices that process orders and payments should never be modified in any way (“jailbreak” for iOS, “rooting” for Android) as these “hacks” leave your devices vulnerable.
7. Train your retail employees
Cyber threats evolve, and so should your staff’s knowledge. Regularly update them on new threats and train them on POS security best practices, such as creating secure passwords and recognizing phishing attempts. Regularly training staff on the importance of POS security helps mitigate threats originating from human error.
8. Control POS staff roles and permissions
It’s vital to control and manage what each staff member can and can’t do in your POS system. For example, you may allow only managers to process refunds or access inventory management features, while cashiers only process sales. Utilizing advanced POS software features, like Shopify POS’s staff roles and permissions, can add an extra layer of security by limiting access to sensitive data.
9. Keep cameras near your POS System
Installing security cameras near your POS system serves a dual purpose. Not only can they deter physical tampering or theft, but they can also provide evidence for post-incident investigations. In the event of a breach or fraudulent activity, video records can provide critical insights and help identify the culprits.
By treating POS security as a continuous process rather than a one-time setup, you can keep up with evolving cyber threats and protect your POS system, your business, and your customers effectively.
POS security FAQ
Can your POS be hacked?
Yes, POS systems can be hacked if appropriate security measures are not in place. Cybercriminals often target these systems to steal sensitive customer data like credit card information.
Is compliance with PCI DSS necessary for POS security?
Yes, compliance with PCI DSS is crucial for POS security. It sets the minimum security standards for cardholder data, helping protect against data breaches and other cyber threats.
Can malware attacks compromise the security of a POS system?
Yes, malware attacks can significantly compromise a POS system’s security. Malware can help cybercriminals infiltrate the system, gain access to sensitive data, and even control the system’s operations.
How can businesses educate their employees about POS security risks?
Businesses can educate their employees about POS security risks through regular training sessions, updating them on new threats and teaching them best practices for safeguarding the POS system.
