New authentication platform for mPOS

MyPINPad is readying a new POS authentication solution that eliminates complexities around supporting PIN-authenticated payments using off-the-shelf mobile devices loaded with mPOS apps. Open mPOS is a "fully certified PIN on Mobile (PoM) solution," the London-based company said in a press release.

The new solution allows acquirers, ISOs and other payment services providers, as well as merchants, to handle PIN payments initiated in face-to-face environments using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) mobile devices. And to do so without first going through certification of compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards. "The removal of complexity and certification hurdles enables all merchants to deploy a PoM solution simply and quickly," the company stated.

PCI SSC expands PIN alternatives

The PCI Security Standards Council announced a new standard in January specific to software solutions for PIN entry POS transactions using COTS devices, like smartphones and tablets. Previous PCI standards for PIN security had been limited to hardware-based solutions.

The newest PIN security standard "allows for an alternative approach to secure PIN entry by isolating the PIN from other data and using a new robust set of security controls that extend beyond the physical hardware device itself," explained Troy Leach, the PCI SSC's chief technology officer. "The PCI Software-Based PIN Entry Standard gives solution providers and application developers a baseline of security requirements specifically for accepting EMV contact and contactless transactions using software-based PIN entry."

"With the new PIN entry standard, the PCI Council has responded to market need by specifying the security requirements for allowing PIN entry directly on the mobile touchscreen. This means [a merchant now] can accept payments with just their mobile device and a small, cost efficient card reader connected to it along with a secure PIN entry application," said Aite Group Senior Analyst Ron van Wezel. This should make PIN-authorized mobile payments more affordable for smaller merchants that find the cost of EMV-compliant PIN hardware out of reach, he added.

Open mPOS utilizes application programming interfaces (APIs), coupled with a MyPINPad secure card reader, to quickly integrate with a merchant's existing POS payment applications, the company stated.

"As technology trends influence innovation, accessibility and security, merchants of all sizes and consumers are looking to the payments industry to respond rapidly with products and services that meet their ever-increasing needs," said David Poole, global head of mobile POS solutions at MyPINPad. "Open mPOS will enable rapid deployment of PIN on Mobile, enrich the consumer's in-store shopping experience and grow acceptance points globally."

Editorial Note:

Whether you want to upgrade your POS offerings, find a payment gateway partner, bone up on fintech regs or PCI requirements, find an upcoming trade show, read about faster payments, or discover the latest innovations in merchant acquiring, The Green Sheet is the resource for you. Since 1983, we've helped empower and connect payments professionals, starting with the merchant level salespeople who bring tailored payment acceptance and digital commerce tools, along with a host of other business services to merchants across the globe. The Green Sheet Inc. is also a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals.

Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact information, links and other details may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.