POS Security Layer Intercepts Payment Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current payment systems at point of sale (POS) terminals are vulnerable to data theft as payment data is often transmitted and stored insecurely, making them susceptible to interception and fraud.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a POS security layer on the terminal to intercept actual payment data and replace it with false data, which is then transmitted over a non-secure channel, while the actual data is sent over a secure channel to a server security application, thereby preventing unauthorized access and storage of sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If actual payment data is transmitted over a non-secure channel for processing, then transaction speed and simplicity are improved, but security and vulnerability to data theft worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates false payment data that copies the structure and format of actual payment data, allowing the POS terminal to process it normally while the real data remains protected. The false data includes valid-looking card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes that mirror actual card data formats.
Solution Approach 2:
A security layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the card reader and the POS terminal application. This security layer intercepts actual payment data, generates false data in its place, and selectively transmits real data only to authorized servers over secure channels, thereby mediating between security requirements and processing needs.
2Ease of operation
If actual payment data is stored at the POS terminal for later transactions, then convenience and transaction efficiency are improved, but security and risk of unauthorized access worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores false payment data in place of actual payment data at the POS terminal. This false data maintains the same format and structure as real payment data, enabling normal processing operations while eliminating the risk of actual cardholder information being compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The security layer acts as an intermediary storage mechanism that prevents actual payment data from being saved in terminal memory or databases. It intercepts storage operations and substitutes false data, while maintaining the capability to retrieve and use payment information through secure channels when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a security layer is implemented to intercept and protect payment data, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is segmented into distinct functional components: a security layer module that interfaces with the card reader, a false data generation engine, and a secure transmission handler. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The security layer automatically generates false payment data and manages the interception of actual data without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration. The system self-configures by detecting the presence of a card reader and automatically initiating the false data generation process, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Payment card transactions at a point of sale (POS) are secured in certain embodiments by intercepting, with a POS security layer installed on a POS terminal, payment data from the POS terminal, transmitting the payment data from the POS security layer to a server security a pplication installed on a POS server, and providing false payment data from the POS security layer to a POS terminal application installed on the POS terminal. The false payment data in various embodiments is processed as if it were the payment data, such that the POS terminal transmits an authorization request to the POS server using the false payment data. In addition, the authorization request may be transmitted from the POS server to a payment gateway.