………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Welcome to Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every few Fridays, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology. ……………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………….
Top 6 Retail Tech Trends Videos<Share this article on Twitter> by Nicole Giannopoulos Everyday videos are posted to the Web – some funny, some informative and some that are just there – RIS has weeded through these videos finding the top six relevant to retail technology trends. Each speaks of projects that impact the retail marketplace in one way or another. From bricks-and-clicks to technology investments to omnichannel and retail’s impact on the world, the videos touch on a variety of topics and relevant trends…..Click here to read more
Six Technology Trends Revolutionising The Hospitality Industry<Share this article on Twitter> by Calum McIndoe As technology developments continue at a relentless pace, it can be difficult for hotels, leisure providers and those in hospitality to keep up with recent changes, let alone look to the future. However, the savings and improvements that technology can deliver mean that managers and directors really need to keep one eye on these six trends……Click here to read more
End-to-End Mobile Solutions<Share this article on Twitter> by VSR Magazine Mobile solutions took center stage at the Spring edition of Tech Data’s Channel Link. VSR sat down with Joe Quaglia, senior vice president, U.S. Marketing and president, TDMobility at Tech Data, to find out more about how VARs can add mobility to their repertoire….Click here to read more
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… What other interesting content have you come across? Leave a comment below and join the discussion ……………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………….
I just read Trustwave’s recent and lengthy 2013 Global Security Report, and in the immortal words of Yogi Berra; “It’s like déjà vu all over again.”
Retail, along with Food and Beverage, continue to be the top targets for criminals. This year the Retail industry suffered the highest percentage of data breaches at 45%. Food and Beverage was second at 24%. The often used quote (that was never actually uttered) by the infamous bank robber Willie Sutton, “I rob banks because that is where the money is,” is a perfect description for the ongoing attraction of criminals to these markets. The real surprise is that even with all the attention to PCI compliance, these markets are still fertile for crooks. And, as most loss prevention professionals will tell you, the crooks are always testing and targeting the easiest victims, looking for a quick score.
So what does this mean for merchants in 2013? The report would indicate that common sense and an active PCI compliance/security strategy should keep you out of the crosshairs for most of the crooks. There is no guarantee that you won’t be targeted, but with the right safeguards in place, the crooks will most likely move on to an easier target.
Two other areas attracting criminal attention are mobile payments and Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Given the recent explosion of mobile, even Apple has seen security breaches in their iOS operating system. PII data is also being targeted, and I believe it’s just a matter of time before merchants are mandated to secure this information, similar to the mandate to secure cardholder data.
If you have an active data security and PCI compliance strategy, keep it up! And if you don’t, make sure you implement one before your business becomes the next statistic. .
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology. ……………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………….
PCI Council Offers Clarity On Cloud, Mobile Issues<Share this article on Twitter> by Ericka Chickowski The PCI Council recently provided merchants with more detailed guidance on two topics most commonly confusing merchants in their pursuit to protect cardholder data and comply with PCI Data Security Standards: cloud storage and mobile payments. Led by merchants, banks, and payment processors participating in the council’s community-driven special interest groups, the effort to clear up some of the confusion came to fruition with the publication of two separate documents this month…Click here to read more
7 Technologies Redefining Retail<Share this article on Twitter> by Retail Info Systems Times are changing and retailers are experiencing a shift that moves from predominantly human transactions to technology-enhanced interactions. Technology is now available to automate the customer experience – from wayfinding, to merchandise research, comparison-shopping and point-of-sale transactions. Consumers have changed their attitudes toward privacy and expect more from the stores they shop. According to the Control Group’s 2013 Retail Technology Survey, over half of U.S. shoppers are browsing the aisles with powerful computers in their pockets… Click here to read more
Identity fraud in US reaches highest level in three years<Share this article on Twitter> by Jeremy Kirk IDG News Service — U.S. consumers experienced the highest level of identity theft in three years in 2012, although much of the fraud losses were absorbed by banks and merchants, according to a new survey.
Incidents of identity fraud affected 5.26 percent of U.S. adults last year, according to a survey of 5,249 people by Javelin Strategy and Research. That’s up from 4.9 percent in 2011 and 4.35 percent in 2010. The company put the total number of identity victims in 2012 at 12.6 million…Click here to read more ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… What other interesting content have you come across? Leave a comment below and join the discussion ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………. .
Forbes is writing about Jeff Bezo’sshort but impressive acceptance speech and how it “reveals volumes about the man and his company.” Amazon.com won the Retailer of the Year award.
The folks over at PYMNTS.com are reporting that “PayPal Stole the Show” with the news of their announcement of the addition of 23 retailers and partnership with NCR to enable real-time person-to-person payments from bank ATMs.
It seems Retail’s BIG show gets bigger every year. With more than 27,000 attendees, it’s the place to be to find out what’s next in retail solutions and strategy.
When it comes to payments, retailers are seeking cloud-based solutions that are flexible enough to keep up with changing business, compliance and security needs. In these brief videos, we outline key advantages of moving to the cloud, and show off some of the cool new terminals our payment gateway is integrated to in our effort to connect retailers to all major point-of-sale systems and processors in the industry.
In case you missed it, we presented in Motion Computing’s booth Monday afternoon at the NRF show. We demonstrated how retailers using Windows can go mobile now with the innovativeSlateMate tablet with magstripe reader and barcode scanner, with no change to workflow and without sacrificing the security they need to protect payment data and comply with PCI.
The retail industry continues to be plagued by point-of-sale attacks, with Barnes & Noble’s announcement on Wednesday that malware was somehow installed on the PIN pad devices at 63 stores. In their words, “the criminals planted bugs in the tampered PIN pad devices, allowing for the capture of credit card and PIN numbers.” The attack is reminiscent of the Micheals breach last spring where the thieves swapped out POS devices with compromised terminals that copied and wirelessly transmitted card details as they were swiped or entered.
Meanwhile, Verizon, known for its annual Data Breach Investigations Report, released new analysis this week designed to offer a better understanding of how data breaches occur in various industries, including retail. This snapshot report revealed franchise stores of larger “parent” retail chains are often the victims of a breach. Franchisee locations don’t always have the in-house resources or technical expertise to properly manage security. Furthermore, “tampering” was ranked as the #1 threat action in the retail agency according to Verizon’s report.
Barnes & Noble is not disclosing any details of the breach, citing an ongoing FBI investigation, so it’s impossible to know what exactly happened and therefore, what could have prevented it. However, by taking a proactive, layered approach to security, retailers can ensure they don’t become the next target. Some quick tips:
Make sure your point-of-sale terminal is tamper resistant.
Make sure there are secure authentication procedures in place for firmware updates.
Make sure you are alerted when and if anyone disconnects a terminal and monitor this closely.
Utilize strong encryption methodologies to protect data in-transit.
Merchant Link is pleased to announce the addition of Ben Jared as Director of Business Development for its retail vertical. Previously Ben served as Area Sales Director for ACI Worldwide, Inc. and ISD Corporation where he was instrumental in doubling their retail customer base within five years.
Jared joins Merchant Link with more than 26 years of sales, marketing, and product management experience within the financial, retail, and high tech industries. He brings deep expertise in domestic and international payment processing, payment security techniques, and PCI and PA-DSS compliance.
“Ben’s in-depth understanding of all sides of a retailer’s business – from technology to operations – allows him to take a consultative approach that busy CIOs appreciate as they navigate the complex world of payments today,” said Laura Kirby-Meck, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Merchant Link. “I’m confident Ben will be a huge asset as we continue expanding our presence in the retail market.”
“Merchant Link’s solutions have clear benefits for retailers looking for greater flexibility and peace of mind when it comes to payments and compliance,” said Jared. “I’m excited for the opportunity to draw upon my experience to drive growth in this channel.”
Message from the Editor
Merchant Link's SecurityCents blog is essential reading for merchants in the retail, lodging, and restaurant industries looking to secure their customers' credit card data. Check the blog regularly to read what our industry experts have to say about the latest developments in the world of payments, payment data security and technology, PCI compliance, and more. We invite you to leave comments and share your insights and opinions.
