Multimode retail system

A method for operating a multimode system in a retail environment, comprising:

• a controller comprising a processor and a tangible memory that stores software comprising instructions, the instructions operable to be executed by the processor to perform operations for:
• operating a keypad in a high security mode in which the keypad accepts a low security input and a high security input, the low security input to be communicated by the keypad in plaintext and the high security input to be communicated by the keypad in ciphertext;
• detecting a security breach condition;
• and
• in response to the security breach condition, operating the keypad in a low security mode in which the secure input module accepts the low security input and does not accept the high security input,
• wherein the low security mode remains for a limited window as measured by a window counter, the expiration of which disables the keypad and configures a controller to require intervention to restart the window counter.

A fuel dispenser comprising:

• a secure payment module (SPM) comprising a keypad;
• and
• a controller coupled with the SPM, wherein at least one of the SPM and the controller comprises a processor and a tangible memory, wherein the tangible memory stores software comprising instructions, the instructions operable to be executed by the processor to perform operations to:
• detect a tamper event of the SPM;
• and
• initiate an adjustment of the keypad between a high security mode and a low security mode,
• wherein the SPM is operable to accept confidential customer information and non-confidential customer information in the high security mode and the SPM is operable to accept only non-confidential customer information in the low security mode, and
• wherein the low security mode remains for a limited window as measured by a window counter, the expiration of which disables the keypad and configures the controller to require intervention to restart the window counter.

A fuel dispenser comprising:

• a secure payment module (SPM) comprising:
• a secure keypad, and
• a secure processor;
• and
• a controller coupled with the SPM, the controller comprising a processor and a tangible memory that stores software comprising instructions, the instructions operable to be executed by the processor to perform operations for detecting a tamper event,
• wherein the controller is configured to adjust operation of the SPM to function in two modes,
• wherein the SPM operable to process non-debit and debit transactions in a first mode,
• wherein the SPM operable to process only non-debit transactions in a second mode,
• wherein the SPM is operable to switch from the first to second mode in response to the tamper event, and
• wherein the second mode remains for a limited window as measured by a window counter, the expiration of which disables the keypad and configures a controller to require intervention to restart the window counter.