Triple DES, or TDES is a Data Encryption Standard (DES) used by the PIN pad when encrypting sensitive card data for PIN debit transactions. TDES is currently the most secure method of encryption used by the industry.
PIN pads encrypt cardholder's confidential card information before transmitting the data to banks. Banks decrypt the card information when they receive the transaction data before authorizing the requested transactions. This encryption process prevents fraudsters from using debit card and PIN information by making any data they intercept meaningless.
The card associations have been encouraging merchants and acquirers to upgrade to TDES capable PIN pads since 2009. To ensure compliance and migration to this secure method of encryption, a mandatory date of December 31st, 2011 has been set by the associations and acquirers to require all PIN pads to be TDES capable. Merchants who do not upgrade to TDES capable PIN pads and fall victim to a data compromise after August 2012 will be subject to hefty fines by the card associations.
For more information on TDES or to see if your PIN pad is TDES capable, please contact your sales representative or our Tech Support Department.
