EPOS Security: How to Keep Your Business Data Safe 🔐
Do you run a high street retailer, café owner, or are you a hair salon manager? Either way, your EPOS system processes and stores valuable data daily. From customer details to sales transactions and payment records, keeping this data safe is essential to protect your reputation and comply with UK regulations like GDPR!
Why EPOS Data Security Matters
Your EPOS system handles sensitive information:
- Customer names, contact details, and purchase history
- Card and payment information
- Employee login and usage data
- Real-time business performance metrics
Without proper security measures, this information is vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorised access, all of which can damage trust and lead to costly legal consequences.
EPOS Security Risks in 2025
❌ Data Breaches
EPOS systems connected to the internet are potential targets for hackers. If customer or payment data is exposed, it can result in identity theft or fraud.
❌ Unsecured User Access
Staff sharing logins or weak password policies can give the wrong people access to sensitive business data.
❌ Outdated Systems
Running old EPOS software or unsupported hardware opens the door to vulnerabilities that modern systems automatically patch.
❌ Lack of Compliance with UK Regulations
Non-compliance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) can lead to fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover, whichever is higher.
What Makes an EPOS System Secure?
When choosing a secure EPOS system in the UK, look for the following key features:
✅ GDPR Compliance
The system should follow strict data handling procedures, allow easy customer data deletion, and ensure explicit consent for marketing use.
✅ Encrypted Transactions
Data should be encrypted end-to-end, from the point of card entry to the final transaction log.
✅ Role-Based User Access
Limit what each team member can view or do. Managers, cashiers, and administrators should have different permission levels.
✅ Cloud Backups & Redundancy
Cloud-based systems should store data securely in ISO-certified data centres with regular automated backups.
✅ Two-Factor Authentication (2fa)
Modern EPOS systems should offer or require 2fa for logins, especially for admin roles.
✅ Activity Logs & Reporting
Track who accessed the system, when, and what they did. This is crucial for internal audits or spotting suspicious activity.
Top Secure EPOS Systems in the UK
Provider | Security Highlights | GDPR & Compliance | Price From |
Role-based permissions, PCI DSS compliance, 2FA | Yes | £59/month | |
Cloud backups, user restrictions, encrypted payments | Yes | £55/month | |
End-to-end encryption, digital receipts, fraud tools | Yes | Free + transaction fees | |
PCI-compliant terminals, secure hardware integrations | Yes | £20/month + fees | |
Limited access roles, secure cloud hosting | Yes | Free app + reader |
Best Practices for EPOS Security in Your Business
- Use strong passwords: Create secure, unique passwords for each user and avoid using shared logins.
- Enable 2fa. Add a second layer of protection to admin or owner accounts.
- Train all of your employees properly. Ensure all employees understand GDPR basics and handle customer data safely.
- Limit access by role: Don’t let everyone access everything. Use role-based permissions to control who sees what.
- Update your software regularly. Always install the latest patches and updates to close known security loopholes.
- Back up your data automatically Ensure your system backs up sales, reports, and user data daily — ideally on a secure cloud server.
- Monitor your access logs Keep an eye on who’s logging in, when, and from where. Look out for suspicious access patterns.
EPOS Security Checklist for UK Businesses
Task | Completed? |
All users have individual logins | |
Two-factor authentication enabled | |
GDPR policy in place and staff trained | |
Regular software updates applied | |
System automatically backs up to the cloud | |
Access logs reviewed weekly |
Our Final Thoughts
Your EPOS system is at the heart of your business — and protecting it is just as important as choosing one with the right features. Data breaches are scary, and compliance failures aren’t just risks for large companies – small businesses are often more vulnerable due to limited resources.
By choosing a secure EPOS provider and following best practices, you can protect your data, earn customer trust, and keep your business compliant with UK laws!
Need Help Choosing a Secure EPOS System? Try our free EPOS comparison tool to find UK providers offering the best security features, GDPR tools and cloud protection.
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