Technological innovations are everywhere these days. With the advent of the Internet, people are now more connected than ever before, and devices like smartphones and tablets have changed the way individuals conduct their daily lives. Now, the retail industry is also shifting due to new technology, as consumers are using various channels and gadgets to get their shopping done.

As as a result, many merchants have implemented or plan to use point of sale solutions that accept all payment forms from customers, whether they are paying with cash, card or even their mobile devices. For this reason, it is imperative that businesses ensure they use secure POS systems – otherwise, they risk losing valuable customers if information is compromised or lost.

Several security obstacles remain
Although retailers do take steps to keep their POS solutions and customer data safe, there are still challenges that linger in this regard. These were recently highlighted in a report released by McAfee and the IHL Group, and one of the first obstacles revealed is the fact that some merchants do not have controls in place to address POS security concerns when something happens. This is one reason why costs related to security issues continue to increase, the source explained.

For larger brands, the study found there is no specific method being used by companies to keep POS systems secure. Some retailers are utilizing whitelisting strategies, while others are employing antivirus software to safeguard their technology. However, one positive trend that the research pointed out is that merchants are paying more attention to POS security and are taking steps to ensure all information – both operational and customer-related – remains safe.

Security provides streamlined experiences
In the end, it all comes to down to excellent shopper experiences, the report asserted. As consumer connectivity increases, patrons will be looking for fast and streamlined interactions with brands.

"Consumers are only looking for one thing – a consistent shopping experience," the source stated. "This could be from a variety of devices or from a range of locations. The consumer just wants to be able to buy anywhere, fulfill anywhere and return anywhere."

Fortunately, with the right POS software and some dedication, brands can make sure that transactions remain secure while at the same time having policies and procedures in place to address any issues that arise.