事業の拡大と取引額の増加に伴い、決済のセキュリティを取り巻く危険性が飛躍的に高まります。Statista の報告によると、アメリカにおけるデータ侵害の平均コストはほぼ 950 万ドルに達しています。データ侵害は、金銭面に直接的な影響を及ぼすだけでなく、事業者に対する顧客の信頼を損なう可能性もあります。

ここでは、安全な決済システムの細かな差異を明確にし、その主な要素について詳しく説明して、強固な決済環境の構築に関するインサイトを紹介します。安全な決済システムとその要素について事業者が知っておくべきこと、顧客のための安全性の高い決済体験と事業者のための安全性の高い決済バックエンドの両方の構築に必要なことについても説明します。小売業界であろうと、テクノロジー業界であろうと、業界を問わず、これらの戦略を理解して導入することで、アプローチを再検討し、事業者と顧客の両者にとって安全な取引を実現できます。

この記事の内容

• 安全な決済システムとは
  
• 安全な決済システムの要素
  
  • 暗号化
    
  • ペイメントゲートウェイ
    
  • トークン化
    
  • 多要素認証 (MFA)
    
  • デジタルウォレット
    
  • EMV チップカード
    
  • 不正利用検知システム
    
  • PCI DSS 準拠
    
  • 銀行専用システム
    
• 安全な決済システムの利用が非常に重要な理由
  

安全な決済システムとは

安全な決済システム (SPS) は、専門のインフラストラクチャーであり、特にデジタル領域において金融取引の安全な処理と送信を確実にします。また不正利用や不正アクセスなどのリスクの緩和にも重要な役割を果たします。

Which components make a payment system secure?

As ecommerce and online transactions continue to grow in number and popularity, secure payment systems are necessary for preventing fraud, unauthorized access, and other security threats.

Here are some key components and examples of secure payment systems:

Encryption

Encryption is a technique of transforming data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. This involves converting plain text data, such as credit card numbers, into a scrambled format called ciphertext using encryption keys. To convert the data back to its original form, a decryption process is applied using the corresponding decryption key.

Types of encryption

• Symmetric encryption: In symmetric encryption, both encryption and decryption use the same key. This is faster but requires secure key handling.
  
• Asymmetric encryption: In asymmetric encryption, there are two different keys—a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This allows the public key to be shared without compromising the data’s security.
  

How it’s used in secure payment systems

When a customer enters payment details online, the data is encrypted before being transmitted. This way, even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the decryption key. Stored payment data, such as saved credit cards on ecommerce sites, can also be encrypted for added security.

Benefits of using encryption for businesses

• Data protection in transit: As data travels from the user to the server (or vice versa), encryption guarantees that if the data is intercepted, it will remain unreadable.
  
• Stored data security: Encrypted data, when stored, adds a layer of protection against unauthorized access or breaches, making raw data extraction more challenging.
  
• Regulatory compliance: Certain regulations, especially Payment Card Industry Security Standards (PCI DSS), require data encryption to safeguard customer information. Compliance helps businesses maintain their operational status and avoid sanctions.
  

Payment gateways

A payment gateway is a service that facilitates online transactions by transmitting information between a business’s website or app and a bank or payment processor. It validates the customer’s card details, ensures funds are available, and authorizes payment transfers, all within a matter of seconds.

Core components

• Encryption: The gateway encrypts payment details to protect data security during transmission.
  
• Bank verification: The encrypted data is sent to the customer’s bank to verify the payment details are authentic and the funds are available.
  
• Transaction approval or denial: The bank sends a response to the business and customer, either approving or denying the transaction.
  

How it’s used in secure payment systems

When a customer chooses to pay for a product or service online, the payment gateway handles the transaction, like a digital version of a physical point-of-sale (POS) terminal. The payment gateway ensures the funds are transferred from the customer’s account to the business’s account securely and promptly.

Benefits of using payment gateways for businesses

• Unified payment solution: Payment gateways often support a variety of payment methods, from credit and debit cards to digital wallets, which streamlines the transaction process.
  
• Real-time transaction processing: Immediate payment verification and processing means businesses can confirm orders and services instantly.
  
• Enhanced security: Advanced payment gateways include built-in security features, such as encryption and fraud detection, tailored to the unique needs of online transactions.
  

Tokenization

Tokenization is a security technique that replaces sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, with a nonsensitive equivalent known as a “token.” These tokens are unique identifiers that have no meaningful value on their own and cannot be reverse-engineered to retrieve the original data.

Core components

• Token generation: Once a customer provides payment data, the tokenization system generates a unique token in place of the actual data.
  
• Secure data vault: The original sensitive data is stored securely in a central vault, while the nonsensitive token is used in its place for transactions.
  
• Detokenization: If necessary, the process can be reversed, and the token exchanged for the original data in the secure vault.
  

How it’s used in secure payment systems

When a customer inputs payment details for online purchases, tokenization systems replace this data with tokens. This means that during subsequent transaction processes, sensitive data isn’t passed around or stored in multiple locations. Instead, the token circulates, ensuring a secure transaction.

Benefits of using tokenization for businesses

• Data breach protection: In the event of a security incident, exposed tokens won’t compromise the underlying payment data. Instead, they offer a protective layer against potential fraud.
  
• Simplified compliance: Handling tokens rather than raw payment data can simplify the process of complying with industry standards, such as PCI DSS, because tokens fall outside the purview of many regulatory requirements.
  
• Versatile application: Beyond payments, tokenization can secure other types of sensitive data like Social Security numbers or personal details, enhancing overall data protection strategies.
  

Multifactor authentication (MFA)

Multifactor authentication is a security process that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before the system will grant access or approve transactions. By ensuring that users prove their identity through more than one validation mechanism, multifactor authentication provides an additional layer of defense.

Core components

• Knowledge factor: Something the user knows, such as a password or PIN.
  
• Possession factor: Something the user has, such as a smart card, security token, or a text message sent to their phone.
  
• Inherence factor: Something inherent to the user, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice pattern.
  

How it’s used in secure payment systems

During payment or account access, MFA might require users to enter a password followed by a one-time code sent to their mobile device. By requiring verification from two or more sources, MFA makes it difficult for unauthorized users to gain access.

Benefits of using multifactor authentication (MFA) for businesses

• Enhance security: MFA drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized access, adding layers that a potential attacker must bypass.
  
• Reduce fraud: By ensuring that only authenticated users can complete transactions, MFA can significantly decrease the risk of fraudulent payments.
  
• Boost customer confidence: Clients know that their accounts and payment details are safeguarded with advanced security measures, which encourages trust in the business.
  
• Adaptive security: Some MFA systems can adjust authentication requirements based on perceived risk—for example, if a user tries to log in from an unfamiliar location.
  

Digital wallets

A digital wallet is an electronic tool that allows users to store payment information, such as credit or debit card details or digital currencies, in a secure digital environment. These wallets enable users to make transactions without the need for physical cards or cash, often using a mobile device or online platform.

Core components

• Secure storage: Digital wallets keep user payment data encrypted and protected within the application or device.
  
• Quick access: Users can select their preferred payment method stored in the wallet to make fast and efficient transactions.
  
• Additional features: Many digital wallets also offer features such as transaction tracking, rewards integration, or contactless payments via technologies like NFC (near-field communication).
  

How it’s used in secure payment systems

When making a purchase online or at a physical store, customers can choose their digital wallet as a payment option. This often involves scanning a QR code, using NFC for contactless payment, or selecting the wallet option during online checkout. The wallet manages the transaction using the stored payment data, which speeds up the transaction and minimizes the exposure of sensitive payment details.

Benefits of using digital wallets for businesses

• Streamlined transactions: Digital wallets can expedite the payment process, leading to faster checkouts and improving the customer experience.
  
• Reduced payment friction: Fewer steps and increased speed can lead to lower cart abandonment rates in online shopping scenarios.
  
• Enhanced security: Encryption and tokenization, which are often built into digital wallets, can offer a more secure way of processing payments than traditional methods.
  
• Loyalty and rewards integration: Businesses can integrate reward programs directly into the digital wallet experience, encouraging repeat business and enhancing customer engagement.
  

EMV chip cards

EMV (which stands for Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) chip cards are credit and debit cards equipped with a small microprocessor chip. This chip enhances security by generating a unique transaction code for each purchase, making it difficult for fraudulent actors to replicate or counterfeit the card (compared to traditional magnetic stripe cards).

Core components

• Microprocessor chip: This chip securely stores the cardholder’s information and facilitates data authentication.
  
• Unique transaction codes: For every transaction, the chip creates a one-time code, making duplicate transaction data ineffective for future unauthorized transactions.
  
• Dual authentication options: EMV cards can use either chip-and-PIN or chip-and-signature methods for user authentication.
  

How it’s used in secure payment systems

When a customer makes a purchase using an EMV card, they insert or “dip” the card into a terminal designed to read the chip. The chip interacts with the terminal to verify the card’s authenticity and often requires the user to input a PIN or provide a signature. This process facilitates a high level of security for in-person transactions.

Benefits of using EMV chip cards for businesses

• Enhanced transaction security: The dynamic nature of transaction codes ensures that stolen data from one transaction cannot be reused, reducing the risk of card-present fraud.
  
• Global acceptance: Because many countries have adopted EMV standards, businesses with EMV-capable terminals can serve international customers more easily.
  
• Reduced liability: With the EMV liability shift, businesses that have not adopted EMV-compliant systems may bear the cost of fraud resulting from chip card transactions. Adopting EMV can therefore protect businesses financially.
  
• Preservation of brand reputation: Secure transaction methods such as EMV can boost customer confidence and protect a business’s reputation from the fallout of potential fraud incidents.
  

Fraud detection systems

Fraud detection systems (FDS) are advanced solutions designed to identify and prevent suspicious or unauthorized activities, particularly in financial transactions. These systems use algorithms, pattern recognition, and machine learning to flag unusual behaviors, helping businesses intercept potentially fraudulent activities before they result in financial losses.

Core components

• Real-time analysis: FDS monitors transactions constantly to detect anomalies as they happen.
  
• Historical data comparison: By comparing current activities with past behaviors, the system identifies deviations that could indicate fraud.
  
• Machine learning: Modern FDS can adapt and improve detection capabilities based on new data, learning from every transaction and adjusting their predictive models accordingly.
  
• Alert systems: Upon detecting suspicious activity, the system sends alerts to the concerned parties for immediate action.
  

How it’s used in secure payment systems

During online or offline transactions, the FDS continuously monitors and analyzes the flow of data. If a transaction appears suspicious—for example, if a purchase is made in a different country shortly after one was made in the user’s home country—the system may flag it, leading to additional verification steps or temporarily halting the transaction for further review.

Benefits of using fraud detection systems for businesses

• Immediate threat detection: Real-time monitoring ensures that threats are identified as soon as they arise, minimizing potential damages.
  
• Financial protection: By reducing the occurrence of successful fraudulent transactions, businesses can avoid losses and associated costs.
  
• Boosted customer trust: When customers know that advanced systems guard their financial transactions, customer trust in the platform or service increases.
  
• Operational efficiency: Automated fraud detection minimizes manual oversight and intervention, streamlining the transaction process while maintaining high-security standards.
  

PCI DSS compliance

PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. It’s a set of security standards designed to ensure that all businesses that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Major credit card companies created PCI DSS with the goal of protecting cardholder data from theft while securing and strengthening payment card transaction systems.

Core components

• Data protection: PCI DSS mandates that businesses encrypt cardholder data, especially when it is transmitted across public networks.
  
• Access control measures: Only authorized individuals should have access to cardholder data.
  
• Regular monitoring and testing: This involves constant monitoring of network resources and cardholder data, coupled with regular security systems and processes testing.
  
• Information security policy: Companies need to have a comprehensive, clear set of policies addressing information security for all personnel.
  

How it’s used in secure payment systems

When a transaction takes place that involves cardholder data, businesses that adhere to PCI DSS guidelines make sure the data is protected at every stage. From the moment a customer swipes their card or enters their card number online, to the storage and processing of this information, the standards protect encryption, secure storage, and restricted access.

Benefits of using PCI DSS compliance for businesses

• Ample data security: Following these standards significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
  
• Enhanced reputation: Businesses that adhere to PCI DSS are viewed as more trustworthy because customers know their card information is treated with the highest level of security.
  
• Avoidance of penalties: Noncompliance can result in hefty fines or penalties, and compliance avoids such financial setbacks.
  
• Framework for other security measures: The expansive structure of PCI DSS can serve as a foundation for further security protocols and practices, promoting a comprehensive security mindset within the organization.
  

Bank-specific systems

Bank-specific systems refer to proprietary technologies and protocols that individual banks or financial institutions use to bolster the security and efficiency of their transactions. These systems often encompass a range of software and hardware solutions tailored to the bank’s specific needs and customer base. They might include authentication methods, transaction processing protocols, and customer interface solutions.

Core components

• Custom authentication: Unique methods that the bank employs to validate user identities, which might range from biometrics to specialized hardware tokens.
  
• Transaction monitoring: Proprietary algorithms that detect unusual transaction patterns specific to the bank’s customer behaviors.
  
• Integrated hardware solutions: Devices such as ATMs or mobile card readers designed to work seamlessly with the bank’s internal systems.
  
• User interface and experience: Custom applications or online platforms designed for customers to interact with their accounts securely.
  

How it’s used in secure payment systems

When a customer initiates a transaction, whether it’s a fund transfer, payment, or balance check, the bank-specific system validates user identity, processes the transaction following the bank’s unique protocols, and reinforces the data’s security throughout. For instance, some banks might send a one-time password (OTP) to a user’s registered phone number during an online transaction, while others might request a fingerprint scan on a mobile banking app.

Benefits of using bank-specific systems for businesses

• Tailored security: Banks can design their systems based on the specific threats they face and the needs of their customer base, offering a more refined security approach.
  
• Enhanced customer experience: By controlling their systems, banks can ensure that customers have a tailored, user-friendly experience, which generates increased enthusiasm and loyalty for the brand.
  
• Rapid incident response: If a security issue arises, banks can quickly address it without waiting for third-party vendors, minimizing potential damage.
  
• Integrated ecosystem: With bank-specific systems, banks can integrate everything from mobile apps to in-branch technologies under one umbrella, ensuring consistent, efficient operations.
  

How to choose a secure payment system

Choosing a secure payment system is an investment in your business’s long-term success. Focus on compliance, flexibility, and scalability to ensure your transactions are protected and your customers feel safe at checkout.

Here’s how to approach this process.

Prioritize compliance and fraud detection

Start by looking for a payments provider that’s certified for PCI DSS Level 1, which ensures they meet the most stringent standards in the payments industry. Also consider fraud detection and prevention features and multifactor authentication that can reduce your risk of payment fraud and data breaches.

Evaluate supported payment methods

Customers don’t all pay the same way. Make sure your payment system supports a variety of payment methods, including cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. The more flexible your system, the better.

Assess integration capabilities

Your payment system needs to be able to communicate with your existing platforms, whether that’s a website, POS system, or inventory management software. Look for a system you can easily connect to your current setup.

Check the pricing

It’s important to understand the pricing model of any payments provider you might use, including transaction fees, monthly fees, setup costs, and chargeback penalties. Watch out for hidden charges that could add up over time.

Understand how it will scale

You want infrastructure that can grow with your business. Make sure the payment system can handle international payments, multiple currencies, and large transaction volumes without compromising performance or security.

安全な決済システムを利用することが非常に重要な理由

現代の商取引は電子的に行われることが多く、それぞれが、事業者が顧客の財務データを保護しているという暗黙的な保証となります。ここでは、事業者が安全な決済システムを利用することが非常に重要である理由を紹介します。

• 信頼と評判
  企業の評判は、非常に貴重な資産の 1 つです。安全な取引はいずれも、この信頼を強固なものにします。一方、違反は、どんなに軽微であっても、長年の信用を損ないかねません。顧客は、自分の機密データが細心の注意を払って扱われていることを確認したいのです。トップレベルの決済セキュリティを確保することで、顧客の信頼を大事にし、顧客の利益の保護に尽力しているというメッセージを顧客に明確に示すことができます。

• 財務の安定性
  不正行為によって明らかな金銭的損失のリスクが発生する以外にも、業界の規制に準拠していなかった場合は罰金や罰則の脅威が迫ります。安全な決済システムによって、事業者はこうしたコストを回避できます。たとえば 2023 年には、世界におけるデータ侵害に伴う平均コストは、ほぼ 450 万ドルでした。これは 3 年間で 15% 増加しており、多くの企業を揺るがす可能性のある膨大な金額です。

• 事業継続
  セキュリティ侵害は事業運営の混乱の原因になることがあります。影響を受けた顧客への返金、規制当局からの問い合わせへの対応、侵害されたシステムの総点検など、攻撃の余波に対応することによって、主要な事業運営や成長への取り組みにリソースが回らなくなる可能性があります。

• 競合他社との差別化
  飽和市場では、事業者は常に競合他社と差別化を図る方策を求めています。差別化する上でポイントとなるのが、トップレベルの決済セキュリティを実装し、それについて伝えることです。顧客は、ある事業者が安全であると判断すると、その事業者を取引の相手に選ぼうとします。金融取引がユーザー体験の中核を成す部門では、特にその傾向があります。

• 適応性と将来への準備
  商取引の世界は常に変化しており、年月とともに新たなテクノロジー、決済手段が出現し、顧客の好みも変化していくものです。現在、事業者は、強力で安全な決済システムによって確実に保護されています。そればかりか、ほとんど負担を生じることなく、将来の進歩に適応し、融合する態勢を整えています。

安全な決済システムを構築し維持することは、どのような事業者にも重要であり、テクノロジーだけでなく、信頼、経営の安定性、将来への適応性への投資でもあります。