What Is Payment HSM? And Its Benefits

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Paying with a Smartphone
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In the modern age, people engage in numerous transactions online. Unlike in the past, when many transactions were cash-based, people are adopting cashless payment mechanisms. One of the reasons for the increased spread of cash payment mechanisms in recent times is the convenience of such payment methods and the necessities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

As online cashless payments continue to increase in popularity, so do the skills and expertise of unscrupulous persons seeking to circumvent the system and access funds and information they are not authorized to access. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to establish security structures to guarantee online payment safety. One of the main techniques used today is Payment HSM. In this article, we explore what payment HSM is and its benefits. 

What Is Payment HSM? 

Before detailing what payment HSM is, it is essential to consider what HSMs are. HSMs, or Hardware Security Modules, are hardware components used to secure the cryptographic and encryption keys necessary to verify the identity of anyone engaging in a payment transaction. Payment HSMs are equipped with specific tools whose primary functions are ensuring critical cryptographic information security. Most payment HSMs have enhanced security and custom Operating Systems for this function. A payment HSM is meant to tighten the layers of protection for concealing the sensitive information required by the retail banking industry for payment purposes. Click here to know more about payment HSM.  

Payment HSMs are used for a variety of purposes, including the following: 

  • Card Personalization Data: This is the physical generation of payment tools such as credit and debit cards. 
  • CVC Generation and Validation: The CVC or Card Verification Code is the number on your debit and credit cards that authenticate the card’s validity. 
  • PIN Generation and Validation 
  • ARQC (Authorization Request Cryptogram) Verification. 
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What Are The Benefits of Payment HSM 

Incorporating payment HSM into the security framework of any payment platform is essential for the following reasons: 

Increased Security 

Security in payment methods is crucial. As many people transition to cashless payment methods, securing their money and ensuring that only authorized people can transact on their behalf becomes increasingly important. Using payment HSM, it is possible for entities providing online payment services to authenticate each transaction before allowing it to proceed. Since the payment HSM generates all the data that pertains to the transaction, including cryptographic keys, CVC codes, and PINs, it can also authenticate all the codes for any transaction to identify whether the individual trying to make a payment or access funds is authorized to do so. This enhances payment security, especially when online fraud and hacking are widespread. 

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Increased Efficiency of Payment 

Some people engage in multiple transactions in a day. As such, they require speed and efficiency in every transaction. For that reason, putting in place a secure yet expeditious mode of verification of transactions can be instrumental in how these individuals engage in online commerce. When making payments, you might notice that if a particular code or key is not input within a specific time frame, the code expires, and one must begin the authentication process again. This reduces the time to guess or find the information and circumvent the system.  

Payment HSMs make it easy to authenticate a transaction and verify an individual’s identity before time elapses. Consequently, the transaction moves smoothly, without any delays or compromises in security. 

Enhanced Compliance 

Payment security is a concept of international concern. For that reason, many institutions and countries have established global standards to ensure that payments are secure for the good of everyone. One of the standards that some governments and institutions subscribe to includes the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). This payment security standard affects most major brands providing card information. To comply with such standards, payment service providers must implement security measures, including Payment HSMs. As such, the Payment HSMs allow institutions to meet their compliance requirements. 

Reduced Fraud 

Security measures such as Payment HSMs help institutions reduce the possibility of fraud and unwarranted access in two ways. First, enhanced security disincentivizes any attempts to breach the system. Since everyone knows that accessing some platforms will be an exercise in futility, criminals are likely to avoid them. This will reduce instances of and attempts at fraudulent activity. 

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Secondly, the security measures will also identify instances of fraud early in advance, thus allowing them to engage law enforcement and security organs immediately, ensuring that there is success in apprehension. 

Parting Shot 

Payment HSMs are central to the security of all commercial and payment activities in the modern age. Without payment HSMs, it will be difficult for payment to be safe and fast in online transactions. Payment HSMs guarantee a wide range of advantages, such as enhanced security, compliance with international standards, and reduction in fraud. This works for the benefit of the customers and every company at large. As such, it is essential for commercial organizations and any entities that provide payment services to put in place payment HSMs.  

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