When a consumer uses a debit card at their local retailer, they likely have no idea what happens behind the scenes to make that transaction possible.
When a consumer uses a debit card at their local retailer, they likely have no idea what happens behind the scenes to make that transaction possible.
When it comes to securing your payment infrastructure, a balanced security approach is a fundamental best practice in the industry. Encryption, tokenization, firewalls for back-office systems and mobile device management (MDM) solutions all play a critical role in preventing data theft — but a purely technology-based strategy isn’t an end-all solution. Employees, from high-level executives to in-store associates, are an essential piece of your tiered security strategy.
One of the most frequently occurring discussions around payment security is regarding PCI compliance. When we talk with our customers, partners and integrators, especially with those who are new to the payments industry, understanding PCI compliance can be complex. The PCI DSS, for example, refers to the Data Security Standard released by the PCI Council that are set up to ensure that all businesses that accept, process, store and/ or transmit cardholder data (i.e., credit card information), do it in the safest way possible. By following the DSS and other related standards, merchants can better protect their payment infrastructures from data breaches. They not only keep customer data safe but also protect their brand reputation.
You may not know this, but the U.S. possibly has the most complex point of sale (POS) debit payment system on the planet. You can trace this back to its origins as an ATM card acceptance process, supported by multiple ATM networks. These grew into what we know as today’s POS networks. With support from major card brands, the concept of “signature debit” transactions is processed through credit networks.
2020 was a tumultuous year for grocers. While they were one of the few essential businesses that were open during the initial COVID-19 lockdowns in the US, it took a while before their in-store foot traffic bounced back. The Health and safety of the shoppers and store staff is of prime importance, but grocers shouldn’t overlook the health and safety of their data. While the foot traffic to a store may seem significantly low – the need for security solutions is still urgent.
