---
title: 5 Ways to Protect Your Business from a POS Malware-Related Data Breach
description: We share some easy ways retailers can ensure they are protected against a pos malware data breach.
---

[Blog | Level 10 ](https://www.level10.com/blog)

# [5 Ways to Protect Your Business from a POS Malware-Related Data Breach](https://www.level10.com/blog/pos-malware-5-things-you-can-do)

 Written by [Level 10](https://www.level10.com/blog/author/level-10) | December 15, 2014

But, while many of them are concerned with the how’s (*how* is this happening and *how* to we keep our data secure?) there are just as many of them concerned with the why’s (*why* are these attacks happening and *why* do they seem to be increasing?)

According to the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), the recent rash of breaches has a lot to do with the [EMV shift date](https://www.level10.com/blog/emv-compliance-why-it-is-important) set. In other words, it appears that **hackers are capitalizing on many of the POS vulnerabilities that currently exist until October 2015** when it’s most likely to get a little harder for them to commit their crimes.

While industry experts agree that EMV upgrades and tokenization will certainly help thwart future attacks, there are no guarantees, unfortunately. However, there are five things you can do **right now** <https://www.level10.com/Blogs/Authors/John/POS_Malware__5_Things_You_Can_Do_Right_Now_To_Protect_Your_Business_From_A_Malware-Related_Data_Breach.aspx#_ftn1>that will *help* you protect your business against a malware-related data breach. They are:

1. Use the latest anti-virus software and keep patches up to date.
2. Review system logs manually or use an automatic tool to check for suspicious activity.
3. Update all default and staff passwords with secure passwords.
4. Consider implementing a: 
     - PCI-approved point-of-interaction (POI) device with SRED functionality; or
     - PCI-approved point-to-point encryption (P2PE) solution.
5. Confirm that all third party vendors are properly implementing and maintaining security controls outlined in the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

So, we want to know: is your business taking extra precautions to protect against malware-related security attacks? Join our [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=3135138) group to share your ideas or chat with other industry experts about what it takes to be a **Level 10** in the retail IT industry! We’re always online, so if you’d rather just stay up-to-date on the latest developments in retail/hospitality technology, you can connect-with and like us on [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/level10llc).

**Facts courtesy of PCI DSS website*

[View full post](https://www.level10.com/blog/pos-malware-5-things-you-can-do)

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