THE IT SECURITY PROFESSIONAL |
Barlowtek
The It security Pro
Helping Organizations Understand IT Security
&
Best Practices
Customers Unique DataWhen it comes to using POS systems, security is the name of the game. Providing ways in which to secure customer’s information in a way that uses more advanced technologies than what is currently available for the public today. The use of biometrics is a growing area, which is seeing more traffic in the payment card and hospitality industries. The use of biometrics in the transportation security by the airlines is also the growing. Customers are getting used to their biometrics being used. This has led to them being more comfortable with their usage, but especially if they know, it will help to secure their information. The ease of adoption of this technology will help to continue to grow the industries that are adopting it. This is especially true to for the hospitality industry. Limited Input When looking at the size and complexity of POS solutions, you will notice that size matters. In this particular instance, it means that the devices are small and compact. Which means they don’t have a lot of room to have additional input areas on the device itself. Whether the POS device uses thumb scanning technology or an iris scan, it is going to take additional resources that these systems currently are very limited on, at present. Solution providers will need to find a way to collect the required data and store the information in a manner consistent with current regulations. This may mean the addition of external input devices such as a camera or touch pad in order to collect the needed fingerprint data points. While the use of biometrics may be for various reasons, such as; employee access control, and fraud prevention. The focus will be to add this additional feature for use by the public for an additional security control in preventing fraudulent use of credit cards. Cryptographic Controls for Biometrics Cryptographic controls will need to be utilized for transmitting the sensitive data that will be collected on the customer. Customer’s personal information will also need to be stored and in a secured encrypted database where the information is highly available. The amount of data that biometrics creates can be enormous and complex to say the least. This sensitive information will also need to be provided to the POS solution software in order to validate the customer. This information will need to be accurate and transmitted to the device when presented with a customer paying for a service. All of the personal data that will be collected from the customer will need to have strict controls in place in order to make sure the information is not corrupted or altered. As with any technology, there are inherent issues with its use and adoption. This is especially true with the use of biometrics, due to issues with the data capture devices and how the information is read. These errors can affect the overall customer experience and may affect the overall adoption of the technology within the specific business. Driving Factors for Adoption Some of the driving factors for the adoption of biometrics within the payment card industry is the adoption of this technology by the issuing institution and their need to protect their customer data. Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) s are not able to provide the integrated security that both the industry and the customers are looking for. Adding biometrics also enhances the current security measures without adding an additional physical layer to the verification process such as using two-factor-authentication (2FA). The additional layer would require more from the customer while adding additional steps to the process. The industry is moving to a more streamlined experience with transactions taking less time to accomplish. Adding the additional control requirement defeats these efforts. Benefits of Biometrics
The benefits that biometrics bring to security cannot be understated. Their use has been a major improvement on the use of complex passwords or PINs. Biometrics provide a positive identity verification since the information provided and used is based on the individual and unique person for which access is granted. Additional benefits include:
Future Requirements While the payment card industry continues to struggle with fraud and data breaches, customers are demanding that more secure methods are adopted. The public wants their information to be secured and methods put in place that help to protect that data. In addition, international regulations are also pushing card issuers and processors to adopt more stringent verification methodologies that help to reduce the chances of fraud. Credit card data is one of the types of information that is readily convertible (the other being healthcare data) to making a profit for those that are able to sell the information. The adoption of the use of biometrics reduces the capabilities of those trying to commit fraud by making it impossible for them to use the information. Connecting biometrics to a credit card makes it almost impossible to make a charge without verifying the identity of the one making the transaction. More and more regulatory agencies are moving towards making the use of biometrics as a payment method mandatory due to the ability to reduce fraud. Summary We are all unique individuals, and that uniqueness is what makes the use of biometrics in the payment card industry one of the best ways to help to reduce fraud. The adoption of this technology will get stronger as more and more solution providers offer it for their solutions and customers are used to seeing it and using the technology. Customers are looking for better ways in which to secure their sensitive information, and biometrics is proving that it is up to the task. With so many ways in which an individual’s personal information can be obtained, the need for the adoption of biometrics in the payment card industry is only growing stronger. Those solution providers that are adopting it, or who are integrating it into their current solution will be ahead of the game as the market moves to more security, not less.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
IT Security ProSecuring the future one byte at a time! Mr. Barlow is here, staying ahead of the curve in Information Security Leadership. Ready to help your company stay safe and secure. Categories
All
Archives
January 2023
|