Merchant Credit Card Cyber Attacks

I've posted before about malware designed to capture credit card information from your stores point of sale system, it also appears that cyber criminals are attacking multi-location retails stores to steal multiple pieces of credit card data.

Multiple credit card cyber attacks specifically targeting Rosauers, Yokes, Super One and Trading Company. Link to the full article: http://www.ktvb.com/news/business/Rosauers-warning-customers-following-credit-card-fraud-attack-233388291.html

Merchant Services Best Practices - this is what point of sale technicians advice me related to credit card security and your retail point of sale system:

• Make sure that the point of sale system is not on the same network as other networks in your store (separate routers, Internet access, passwords, etc.) 
• Change all passwords every 60 days and make sure that the passwords contain letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Use business class network equipment (ie. - not the $99 wireless router that Best Buy sells).
• Make sure that your point of sale software and anti-virus software is kept current.
• Check to see what type of credit card swipes, pin pads, and signature capture pads can be used with your point of sale system - newer and more secure equipment might be available.
• Make sure that you follow the rules related to what types of credit card information you can keep "on file" (see your merchant services agreement for more information).
• Use a IT company to make sure that your network and firewall settings are at their highest.
• Make sure that you are doing your required PCI scans.
• Consult with an IT professional or your point of sale partner/dealer for a more complete "best practices" list.

I realize this requires a modest investment (likely $500 or less, depending on the size of your retail store) but would you rather face these options if someone is able to steal credit card information from your point of sale system:

• Fines in excess of $10,000 for not meeting credit card security standards.
• Loss of revenue from customers (past, present, and future) knowing that your system was "hacked".
• Loss of revenue due to your business no longer being able to accept credit cards (which could be a long term sanction from MasterCard/Via).

This is not a scare tactic from MasterCard/Visa - it is the reality of accepting credit cards in today's retail environment.

Mac Based Point of Sale Systems for Retail Stores

From time to time, I am asked about retail point of sale solutions that run on Macintosh computers (not iPads or iPhones but actual Mac's). Over the last 14 years I have seen several Mac based point of sale solutions come and go.

Over the last few years, LightSpeed has developed a decent client base. Over the last few months I was able to visit some specialty retailers using LightSpeed (sporting goods store, candle store, and a boutique).

It was interesting that none of them actually bought LightSpeed specifically as they wanted something that ran on Mac computers. One bought LightSpeed since it had an open interface for add-ons related to automated purchasing. The other two owners bought LightSpeed as they felt both the software and the hardware had a cleaner and more updated look than the Windows-based point of sale systems that they looked at.

It appears that LightSpeed has mixed to mostly positive reviews (tough to tell which reviews are real and which are fake).  You can read more here: http://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/lightspeed-profile/#reviews

LightSpeed has also worked to grow a local dealer/reseller base which helps when it comes to local support. You can find more information about LightSpeed by visiting: http://www.lightspeedretail.com/

From what store owners have told me, LightSpeed is a viable option for smaller specialty retail stores - regardless of whether you prefer Mac's over PC's. Keep in mind that Mac's do operate somewhat differently from PC's so if your computer experience is all Microsoft Windows based, you may need to devote some time to learning the Macintosh Operating System.

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

New Review of NCR CounterPoint

Update July 19, 2015.  The information below refers to a single review and, as time as passed, many more reviews have been posted. Either businesses "love it" or "hate it".  Some of the issues related to what businesses appear to not like about NCR CounterPoint related to getting full support and training from their NCR CounterPoint SQL Partner/Dealer and not using the correct computer hardware.

It is also possible that some of the businesses overbought based on their business size and technology needs when it comes to a point of sale system.

A new review of NCR CounterPoint has been posted on softwareadvice.com.  Here are the review highlights:

• Business has been using NCR CounterPoint for 8 years
• The overall consensus is that the program is very expensive (initial purchase, support, and ongoing maintenance)
• There are unresolved functionality issues with barcode label printing and Z reports
• Overall review was 2 out of 5 stars

You can read the whole review here: http://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/radiant-systems-counterpoint-profile/

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.