You may not be aware, but POS system attacks are not new. In fact, one of the biggest data breaches to ever hit a retail store, that has always relied on highly secure point of sale systems, was in 2014 when retail giant Target was hit by a massive attack and over 70 million customer records were exposed.
That’s why, no matter what size business you run, you need to invest in the right kind of point of sale software to prevent major data breaches, and ultimately a huge loss in business.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to secure your cash register software so that your business, and customers, are protected in the best ways possible.
1. Keep Your Systems Up to Date
There’s a reason software undergoes so many updates. In fact, most of the time, when your POS system updates, it’s fixing any known bugs that are making the system, and all the sensitive data it stores, vulnerable to attack.
Keep your systems updated at all times so you always have the most compatible, highly secure system possible.
2. Install Firewalls and Anti-virus Software
Hackers, spyware, and viruses are constantly trying to inject themselves into POS systems of all sizes. That’s why adding addition layers of protection onto your system is a good idea for protecting your business from malicious activity.
Though anti-virus and firewall software doesn’t guarantee protection, it definitely helps.
3. Only Use Strong Passwords
You’d be surprised how many people use the same password across multiple accounts. Or, how many business owners that don’t take the time to create strong passwords, utilize the power of 2-point authentication, or keep company passwords safe from those that shouldn’t have access to the level of information.
Don’t use the default passwords your POS system comes with, as they are often easy for hackers to decode and break through. Instead, take advantage of a free online password generator tool, such as the Secure Password Generator, to make sure your passwords are super secure, and so is your business.
4. Always Maintain PCI Compliance
Anyone that accepts payments online via credit card is mandated to be PCI compliant. This means that the eCommerce website must be a secure HTTPS site, have a registered SSL certificate on it, and follow other certain precautions such as:
- Not storing card data unless necessary
- Routinely auditing the system for malicious activity
- Take inventory of your security measures to prove your proactive approach
- Building strong relationships with banks you work with to prevent any issues, or at the very least, have issues resolved quickly if they do occur.
In the end, it doesn’t matter what size business you run, how many transactions you process, or whether you own a brick-and-mortar shop or a strictly online shop, securing the POS systems you have in place to collect the payments that keep your business afloat is more than necessary.