End-to-End Encryption

End-to-end encryption is used to protect credit and debit card data when transmitted from a terminal to the TSYS Acquiring Solutions processing platforms. When the card is swiped (or, for EMV transactions, when the chip is read) the enabled POS terminal applies a mathematical algorithm to encrypt the data, rendering it unusable to potential data thieves. The data is decrypted when it reaches the encryption key server and is sent to the card network and issuer for authorization.

End-to-end encryption ensures that:

• Data is encrypted immediately after the card is swiped (or, for EMV transactions, after the chip is read).
• Data is decrypted upon receipt by the processor or acquirer.
• Merchants are unable to decrypt the cardholder data.

End-to-end encryption comprises two parts that work together to ensure data security:

• Tokenization: The data is replaced by a code that cannot be mathematically reversed.
• Encryption: This protects debit and credit card data while it transmits from the terminal to the TSYS processing platforms.