Choosing an EPoS system is a big decision for many businesses. There are many factors to consider, such as reporting features, payment methods, and ease of use. But what about security? Cyber attacks are rife and saw a sharp increase over the pandemic. And as an EPoS system stores a lot of sensitive data, it’s important to choose the most secure system to protect your customers, staff, and business.
You can broadly split EPoS systems into two types: traditional and cloud-based. Each has its own pros and cons in terms of security. So is either better than the other? We weighed up the pros and cons of each to help you choose the best EPoS system for your business.
Where your data is kept
One benefit of having a traditional EPoS system is that you know exactly where your data is. Many are comforted knowing it’s on site or even stored in a location where they can control the security. But while this can be considered a pro, it can be a con too. By having your data stored on-site, it could be less protected. There’s the possibility of accidentally damaging your system or even theft.
Since cloud-based systems are off-site, there’s an extra layer of physical security for your data. And it’s not a cost that falls to you; the server host pays for the building, security, and even the hardware. It saves you money in the long run. And with over 70% of executives suffering an accidental internal breach within the past five years, storing the system off-site could help prevent this. But this will come down to personal preference and how much you trust your EPoS provider to keep your data safe – and even if they back it up.
Updates
Cloud-based EPoS systems can be regularly updated via the cloud. This means your data can stay secure as these updates should tackle new bugs, errors, or cyber threats. And it can all be done over the cloud, meaning there’s no need for a technician to actually come out to your shop.
Traditional EPoS systems might be the opposite. The physical hardware might need regular maintenance and updates might not be as frequent. Check what frequency it’s updated at, if at all. The benefit of this though is it might be a popular system, so any new starters could be familiar with it.
When it comes to traditional vs cloud-based systems, there is no one right choice. Some of the decision will come down to your personal preference. But after this past year, you need every advantage you can get. Opting for cloud-based puts you in a better spot for the future. So don’t just consider what you need now, but what you will need in the future.
At Nisyst, we know how important it is to have an EPoS that’s tailored to your needs while being as secure as possible. For anyone in the charity sector, we’ll be at the Charity Retail Association Conference on the 9th and 10th of September, where we’ll be launching our cloud-based EPoS system CHARiot Web. Come by our stand to find out more or call us today on 01204 706 000.
