US 2010/0299265 A1 · METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SECURITY AUTHENTICATION AND KEY EXCHANGE

Abstract

This is for a payment device that may be constructed from separate modules in a secure fashion such that the aggregation of the modules constitutes an overall secure device without the use of additional covers, cases, or tamper-resistant housings. The methods and system are provided whereby the devices within a modular payment system can exchange data between each-other in a secure fashion. While data encryption is being used elsewhere, the present invention extends the security zone from each secure payment module within a modular device out over the cable to the next device. This allows the user to purchase payment device components, place them as they see fit, and not have to obtain certification on their end product as a POS-A level payment device.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A modular Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal comprising:

a payment controller having a first encryption sub-component;
a display in communication with the payment controller;
a user interface having a second encryption sub-component, the user interface comprising at least one of a payment keyboard and a payment card reader, wherein the user interface is configured to receive financial data;
and
wherein the financial data is encrypted prior to transmission in the modular POS terminal, and wherein the modular POS terminal is configured to detect tampering with the modular POS terminal.

2 more elements

A method of assembling and using a modular Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal, the method comprising:

arranging a plurality of components of the modular POS terminal within a housing;
synchronizing the plurality of components of the modular POS terminal;
receiving financial data at a user interface;
encrypting the financial data prior to transmission to a payment controller;
and
wherein each component of the plurality of components which handles financial data is certified for financial transactions.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and systems for security authentication and key exchange

Life of this patent

Methods and systems for security authentication and key exchange

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10