It is so much easier to take a credit card around than it is to carry cash and as a result we see more and more card transactions taking place in businesses. However danger still lurks around the corner just as it did when we carried cash on us, except now instead of just stealing cash they are also stealing the identity of a person as well. Some steps can be taken to prevent such an event from occurring: businesses should use equipment that has been lab evaluated and approved by credit card companies, managers should ensure that a log book of pin numbers are never kept after the transaction has occurred. Ensure when POS systems are first initialized that they are loaded with encryption keys. Use keys on system for one purpose and one purpose alone, in both the POS system and the network processor link. Ensure that all devices have unique keys assigned to them including pin encryption and key exchange keys. Managers should also educate their staff to look for and prevent future problems relating to theft. If a pad looks like it has been tampered with or gone missing it should be reported immediately to the authorities. Inspect POS and pad inventory on a regular basis as well ensure that only authorized personnel can service terminals thus limiting access to the pads themselves.
There is always someone out there looking to see where they can get a free ride off someone else. Theft of this nature is becoming more common place and so businesses must work diligently to ensure that they protect their clients from such a disastrous occurrence. I myself tend to be a bit skeptical when using my credit cards. Everyday I hear about the nightmares that people have gone through trying to rectify this problem. For me I am a bit old school and am wary of using my card online and in the stores, then there is the other part of me that thinks that its okay, this wont happen to me. You never know, the minute your guard is down that is when disaster strikes. Be aware and be informed.
Smith, M (2007, March 03). Have You Given Thieves the Key to Your
Register?. Retrieved March 21, 2007 from , senior vice
president, enterprise risk and compliance at Visa U.S.A. Web site:
http://www.hospitalityupgrade.com/_magazine/magazine_Detail.asp?ID=97
1 comment:
I think theft is very important and it is a vital part of the hospitality industry. Almost every guest staying in a hotel is using a credit card and more and more restaurant customers are shifting towards the use of cards. As more credit cards are used, the more of a chance thieves have to steal money and identities. Customers are well aware of this and trust hotels and restaurants with their credit card numbers and personal information. I agree that it is very important to educate your employees and have a good system in place. Inspecting the inventory and having a separation of duties within the business is also important in protecting yourself and your customers.
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