Point-of-sale terminals (POS) are generally inadequately protected against physical attacks. Attackers can use probes or mini-drills to access stored sensitive data such as credit card numbers and PIN codes. An additional security element in the protective caps of the terminals can reliably prevent such attacks.
According to a survey by the digital association Bitkom, cyber attacks have caused losses of €102.9 billion for 70% of companies in Germany in recent years. According to the survey, the scope and quality of attacks have increased dramatically. "The recreational hackers of the past have evolved into well-equipped and often very technologically adept cyber gangs," says Bitkom. POS terminals are also among the targets. Sensitive data such as credit card numbers and PIN codes are temporarily stored on POS terminals to prevent data loss if the payment process is interrupted. This data can be read by attackers using probes or mini-drills to gain access to the hardware. An additional security element can reliably prevent data loss.
3D-MID protective caps increase the security classification
Use of the security cap using the example of a POS card reader for optimum protectionElectricalconductor paths on the inside of the protective cap create a very reliable additional security element against physical attacks. The conductive tracks form a closed circuit and are so close together that it is practically impossible for an attacker to gain access. Any attempted attack would either damage one conductor track and interrupt the circuit or short-circuit two conductor tracks. This causes the POS terminal to switch off immediately, which means that the temporarily stored data is lost and the device can no longer be used.
The electrical conductors are applied directly to the plastic parts of the protective caps using the 3D-MID process. This reduces weight, reduces the number of components and lowers production costs, while at the same time increasing safety. The 3D-MID solution is used in particular for POS terminals to improve security standards and defend against hacker attacks.
Very small conductor spacing improves security
HARTING customers benefit from compliance with the strictest PCI-DSS requirements (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). The solution is distinguished by the smaller conductor track widths. The narrower the distances between the individual conductor tracks, the more difficult it is to manipulate the circuit from the outside. Conductor track widths and spacings of around 300 to 500 µm are common today; in this case, the widths have been reduced to 70 to 150 µm.
The manufacturer from Biel is currently the only 3D-MID producer that has a laser system with three fine-focus optics. This allows a larger number of conductor paths to be created on the component and a higher packing density to be achieved.
The 3D-MID technology also enables greater versatility in the shapes by creating flexible geometric contours in injection molding and processing them with a laser for the electrical conductors. This means that rounded edges, elevations and transitions can also be produced.
Lower costs thanks to automated production
The 3D-MID solutions are safer and, thanks to the extensive automation of the entire value chain, also cheaper than those of many other suppliers. All production steps are carried out at HARTING's own plant. This speeds up the process, increases production yield and saves on transportation costs.
