Point-of-sale terminals (POS) are not sufficiently protected against physical attacks. Attackers can access sensitive data (such as credit card number and PIN codes) using probes or mini-drills. An additional security element in the security caps of the terminals can reliably prevent such attacks.
POS terminals are considered a popular target for data theft. Attackers use mini-drills to gain access to credit card numbers and PIN codes.
According to a survey by the Bitkom digital association, cyber attacks have caused damages of 102.9 billion euros throughout 70 percent of companies in Germany in recent years. According to the survey, the scope and quality of the attacks have increased dramatically. “The recreational hackers of the past have evolved into well-equipped and technologically savvy cyber gangs,” Bitkom reports. POS terminals count among the targets. Sensitive data such as credit card numbers and PIN codes are temporarily stored on POS terminals to prevent data loss in the event that the payment process is interrupted. This data can be read by attackers if they gain access to the hardware using probes or mini-drills. An additional security element can be used which reliably prevents data loss.
3D-MID security caps increase the safety classification
Electrical paths (traces) on the inside of the protective cap provide a very reliable additional security mechanism that protects against physical attacks. These traces form a closed circuit. They are so close together that it is practically impossible for an attacker to gain access. Any attempt to attack would either damage a trace and break the circuit or short out two traces. This causes the POS terminal to shut down immediately, resulting in the loss of cached data and rendering the device unusable.
