If your payment terminal shares a network with other business devices, here's how to protect your business:
When your card terminal connects to the same network as computers, printers, Wi-Fi devices, or other equipment, you're creating pathways for security breaches. Malware or vulnerabilities on any connected device can potentially compromise your payment processing.
Essential steps to reduce your risk:
1. Isolate your payment terminal:
- Set up a dedicated, secure network connection for your terminal only
- Keep payment processing completely separate from your business network
- Use a dedicated internet connection or secure network segment if possible
2. Audit your current setup:
- Check what devices currently share your terminal's network connection
- Identify all computers, printers, Wi-Fi access points, and other equipment on the same network
- Document any shared connections that need to be changed
3. Implement proper network separation
- Work with your IT provider or payment processor to create network isolation
- Ensure your terminal cannot communicate with other business devices
- Consider using cellular connectivity for your terminal if network separation isn't feasible
4. Red flags that increase your risk
- Payment terminal connected to the same Wi-Fi as customer devices
- Terminal sharing network with office computers or printers
- Using the same internet connection for both payments and general business operations
- No firewall or network segmentation between payment and business systems
The bottom line
Network isolation is one of the most effective ways to protect your payment processing. Even if other devices in your business get infected with malware, an isolated terminal remains secure.
Contact your payment processor or IT support to implement proper network separation - this simple step greatly reduces your security risk.