BluePay Blog

It seems like every week there’s a new high-profile data breach that dominates cybersecurity news headlines. Sometimes, these stories bleed into the mainstream as well.  In just the past few years alone, for example, you’ve probably heard about the following cyberattacks:   WannaCry and SamSam ransomware attacks Deloitte and Equifax data breaches Colorado Department of Transportation hack Facebook and Cambridge Analytica breach

Topics: Small Business Tips, Enterprise Business Tips, PCI Compliance and Fraud Prevention

Most phishing and malware scams follow a fairly predictable pattern:  Unsuspecting users click on suspicious links. In doing so, they unwittingly download a piece of malicious code. Once installed, that code takes over the users’ computers. The code’s creator then has unlimited access to the computers’ data. This type of malware is a very real threat, but because the malicious code is stored locally, most antivirus solutions and native security apps can detect the intrusion.

Topics: Small Business Tips, PCI Compliance and Fraud Prevention

If you’re like most people, you probably spend more time on your phone than you do on your computer. It’s easy to see why. Smartphones are small and portable. And with each successive generation, the software and hardware both become more powerful. The most recent iPhone, for example, can go head-to-head with many of the most popular laptops on the market. 

Topics: PCI Compliance and Fraud Prevention

On-demand is a recent addition to many brick-and-mortar businesses that has gained popularity for the convenience factor it offers shoppers. The result has been an increase in the service experience scores of many retailers. These retailers allow customers to order online or through a mobile app. Then, they can pick up those items in a nearby store on their preferred schedule. 

Topics: Small Business Tips, E-Commerce and Online Payments, Due.com Partner Posts, Payment Trends

Most brick-and-mortar businesses that accept plastic rely on heavy, static readers to process credit cards at the checkout counter. In fact, these stationary terminals have been a staple of retail for decades.  With the birth of mobile payment processing, businesses could suddenly begin accepting credit cards on the go. 

Topics: Payment Trends, PCI Compliance and Fraud Prevention, Payment Technology, Mobile Payments, EMV

In recent years, we've heard about the shared economy and the on-demand economy. Now, there's the API economy. With each economy that emerges, it's important to know what it involves and how you can become a part of it to leverage any relevant benefits for your business. Although this meaning of economy is slightly different, it's important to know what it involves because today's businesses do need to consider leveraging APIs to service unique customer needs and expectations.

Topics: ISV/VAR, Software and Payment Integration, Payment Technology, Due.com Partner Posts, B2B

Our society is comprised of the Internet of Things (IOT), where everything is digitally connected — from the smartphones we carry in our pockets to the coffee machines we use to jumpstart our days. All of this hyper connectivity is incredibly convenient — whether you want to:  Adjust your home’s temperature (even when you’re on the road)  Receive instant alerts every time your favorite stock goes up  Sync your calendars, emails and to-do lists in real time

Topics: Small Business Tips, PCI Compliance and Fraud Prevention

Three years ago this month, the credit card industry introduced new liability rules designed to reduce payment card fraud. In 2015, traditional plastic was still widely used throughout retail, but these older cards relied on magnetic stripes that could easily be cloned, manipulated or erased.  In effect, “magstripe” plastic was seen as too vulnerable. Thus, the payment industry wanted merchants and consumers to adopt EMV credit card processing.

Topics: PCI Compliance and Fraud Prevention, Payment Technology, EMV

Launching a new business isn’t easy. There’s a lot of uncertainty involved as you invest countless hours and money developing your innovative idea. It’s exhausting.  That’s why budding entrepreneurs should take occasional breaks to recharge their batteries. Popular distractions include:  Getting coffee with a friend  Taking a long walk  Diving into an engaging novel  Another great strategy? Watch movies, documentaries and TV shows that are geared toward entrepreneurs and startups. With this approach, you’re technically off the clock. However, you can still glean a lot of useful insights to help make your business journey easier and more successful.

Topics: Fun Posts, Small Business Tips

The end of 2018 is fast approaching, with three-quarters of it nearly over. And, the last quarter may go by quicker than you think, due to the holidays and numerous events on the calendar. That's why it's important to start putting together what you'll need to recap the year financially and strategically. Doing so will make tax preparation easier and set some benchmarks for you to make improvements to the business in 2019.

Topics: Small Business Tips, Due.com Partner Posts