Merchants deploying payment terminals need to be aware of security risks to payment card terminals, and what they can do to mitigate them.

The UK Cards Association has produced guidelines for Card Terminal Security. These guidelines (available for download below) are intended to be used by retailers accepting or intending to accept face-to-face card payments and are designed to complement card industry rules and regulations and advice given by point-of-sale solution providers (including banks and third party suppliers). The advice and guidance offered should be considered when reviewing or developing security procedures and processes for the point-of-sale environment, particularly, but not exclusively, those relating to the acceptance of card-based transactions.

Document title File type Download
Terminal Security Guidelines pdf Download file

The stated purpose of the document is to assist understanding of the financial and reputational implications of the theft of assets, re-introduction of fraudulent assets back into the live environment and the detection of any fraudulent assets.

In the Cardholder Security Tips section of this website, cardholders can view an amusing video illustrating that it is their responsibility to cover their PIN.