Is Aloha POS PCI compliant
The Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard was created by major credit card companies to safeguard consumer information. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and other credit card associations mandate that merchants and service providers who accept credit cards meet certain minimum standards of security when they store, process and transmit cardholder data.
PCI compliance for restaurant operators depends mainly on three components:
Software Version
Infrastructure and security of the network
Settings within the software
Restaurant Owners are Responsible for Customer Credit Card Data
Many restaurant owners and managers do not know that PCI data security compliancy is their responsibility. They properly set up their business with all the licensing, inspections, and business systems required for businesses in their area. Often, nobody informs them that, if they are going to process customer credit card information, they are responsible for the security of that data.
Secure all Data Access
So, what should you do? Upgrade your POS software to a PA-DSS (Payment Application Data Security Standard) validated version. Ensure that you are running a version of Windows that is currently supported by Microsoft on all of your POS hardware and that you update the Operating System anytime Microsoft releases a patch. Create and maintain unique Windows logon usernames for each person that must access the Aloha Back Office PC. Be sure that you have installed a commercial grade firewall, that it has been properly configured to restrict inbound and outbound traffic, and that it is maintained and updated. This includes wireless internet access too! Use and regularly update anti-virus software. Lock your office doors and your computers. Remember, it is never a good idea to use your POS computers for email or going online. APS recommends install a second computer in the Back Office and that it is isolated away from the POS network for email and web browsing. POS Data Security and PCI Compliancy NEEDS to be a BIG concern for Merchants. It is crucial that you are using technology that protects your customers and ultimately protects you. NCR Aloha, as a POS industry leader, has developed validated data security software that works seamlessly with all of their Point of Sale technology.
