Wireless credit card processing

Wireless is an old-fashioned term for a radio transceiver (a mixed receiver and transmitter device), referring to its use in wireless telegraphy early on, or for a radio receiver. Now the term is used to describe modern wireless connections such as those in cellular networks and wireless broadband.

Security:

The risks to users of wireless technology have increased exponentially as the service has become more popular. There were relatively few dangers when wireless technology was first introduced. Crackers had not yet had time to latch on to the new technology and wireless was not commonly found in the work place. Currently, however; there are a great number of security risks associated with wireless technology. Some issues are obvious and some are not. At a corporate level, it is the responsibility of the IT department to keep up to date with the types of threats and appropriate counter measures to deploy. Security threats are growing in the wireless arena.

Crackers have learned that there is much vulnerability in the current wireless protocols, encryption methods, and in the carelessness and ignorance that exists at the user and corporate IT level. Cracking methods have become much more sophisticated and innovative with wireless. Cracking has become much easier and more accessible with easy-to-use Windows-based and Linux-based tools being made available on the web at no charge. IT personnel should be somewhat familiar with what these tools can do and how to counteract the cracking that stems from them.

Wireless being used to crack into non-wireless networks

Some organizations that have no wireless access points installed do not feel that they need to address wireless security concerns. This is a common deceptive inference. In-Stat MDR and META Group have estimated that 95% of all corporate laptop computers that will be purchased in 2005 will be equipped with wireless. Issues can arise in a supposedly non-wireless organization when a wireless laptop is plugged into the corporate network. A cracker could sit out in the parking lot and break in through the wireless card on a laptop and gain access to the wired network. This problem is aggravated by what is referred tnts. This can be a major security risk. If no security measures are implemented at these access points, it is no different from providing a patch cable out the back door for crackers to plug into whenever they wish.

Wireless Credit Card Processing

For mail order and telephone businesses, the most efficient way to collect payments without the customer being present is to accept credit cards by phone. New credit card processing options are available to telephone and mail order merchants that make it easy to do credit card processing by phone.

For years, the payment options for mobile merchants were limited to either cash or check. But today, wireless credit card machines have given mobile merchants access to the same credit card authorization networks as retail businesses. A wireless credit card reader makes it easier for mobile merchants to obtain authorizations from remote locations than ever before. In most cases wireless credit card processing is even faster than for traditional landline transactions. Dedicated networks have been developed for wireless credit card processors of all types, which can transmit and receive data faster than most cell phone networks.

TIPS for Setting :

Check your wireless coverage, then check your wireless coverage again!: There are several different wireless coverage networks available for use with mobile credit card processing terminals. Generally coverage is good for all networks. However, you should double check that the areas you are working in and are traveling to are covered by the network you choose. Most networks have coverage maps on their websites or your salesperson will have access to a coverage locator. The majority of wireless terminals on the market also come in different versions for each network. Double check to make sure the version of the terminal you choose is compatible with the wireless network in your area. Your salesperson will be a good source of information on wireless networks.

Think twice about CDPD: CDPD was one of the first networks to be used for wireless credit card processing. Coverage for CDPD is provided by two major carriers, AT&T and Verizon. In early 2003 AT&T announced that it would be discontinuing its coverage in June of 2004. You will be able to find CDPD terminals available at deep discounts, but be aware that while other wireless networks are expanding, it appears that CDPD is contracting.

Give yourself enough time: While it's true that most merchant accounts can be set up within a day or two, it does sometimes take longer. It's a good idea to start thinking about setting up a merchant account at least a few weeks before you plan on using it. While you will probably be pleasantly surprised about how quickly you get set up, nothing could be more nerve wracking than waiting for the delivery of your credit card terminal the day you are leaving for your first big trade show. You will have plenty of other challenges in those last few days before you launch your new business.

Your local bank may not be the answer: While most merchants like the idea of doing business with their local bank, many do not realize that the bank may have little experience setting up merchant accounts. Most smaller banks refer their business to a third party to do the processing and receive a commission for doing so. In fact, over 200 bank branches in the New England area alone refer their customers to Merchant Warehouse. Going directly to the processing company will usually save you time and money. Your can still have your funds deposited into your account at your local bank.

Understand all of your fees: When you first get a quote for merchant services some fees may seem a bit foreign to you. Don't worry though; after you take a few minutes to go through the fees it will seem simpler than your phone bill. Take the time to go through your application and ask questions about fees you don't understand. Taking the time to go through the fees may save you an unpleasant surprise when you get your first merchant statement.

Inform your salesperson if you are a seasonal business: Many mobile merchants are only in business for a few months out of the year. Make sure your salesperson is aware that you may only be processing transactions during a particular season. Problems can arise if your account has been inactive and suddenly does a large volume of transactions when you re-open for business. Often, this could be the sign of a stolen credit card terminal and the loss prevention department may need to call you to verify that you are the one actually running transactions through the terminal.

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