POS systems are evolving, giving businesses more flexibility, control, and intelligence than ever before. Businesses have moved from traditional cash registers and stationary credit card readers to iPads and even mobile or cloud-based POS systems. This shift in technology will not only provide businesses with additional features, but will also allow businesses to store all reports and transactions in one place.

By taking their operations online, businesses have the potential to grow exponentially. Previously, businesses first had to run data from their ecommerce platforms  and then from their physical POS systems. For a complete report, businesses would need to import both results into a spreadsheet, accounting, or other reporting software. But with POS systems that use shared commerce, businesses can save a lot of time by automating the process.

One e-commerce solution is the Shopify POS System . It syncs with the Shopify app for iOS and Android to track online and offline transactions. Instead of managing two sets of inventory and payment systems, Shopify POS syncs and enhances your financial and product information in a centralized dashboard. This way, you have quick and easy access to real-time data and customer insights across two channels sales, without having to run reports on multiple systems.

But with such work comes the issue of protection and security of  POS systems! Like any other device connected to the Internet, POS systems need more security as technology evolves. As a result, POS systems are more vulnerable than ever to hackers and data breaches. The shameful target saga is the most well-known POS security threat to date. If hackers can break into the POS system of one of the world's largest retailers, small businesses are undoubtedly even more vulnerable.

In 2014 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT) announcedthat cybercriminals were attacking POS systems to collect consumer and credit card data, spreading malware through devices connected via the Internet. With the POS era that has unfolded since then, it's important for companies to stay up-to-date on their security systems and how to deal with any potential threats or attacks.

US-CERT recommends protecting POS systems by using strong passwords, ensuring that the latest POS software updates are available, installing a firewall, using antivirus software, restricting unauthorized Internet access (e.g., for purposes other than POS transactions), and disabling remote access to POS systems.In addition, your POS system provider should have appropriate security and compliance in place as part of your service level agreement.