With the Exercise.com Payments platform, you can securely process transactions and protect customer data. Card readers are a critical part of safe payment handling, so it’s important to keep them secure and check them regularly for signs of tampering.

This guide explains how to:

Keep your reader safe when not in use
Perform regular inspections
Know what to look for
Report any issues immediately

1. Storing and Handling Your Reader

Always keep your reader in a secure location (locked drawer, cabinet, or supervised checkout area)
Never leave it unattended in public or high-traffic areas
Only authorized staff should handle or move the reader
Keep an up-to-date record of your device (model, serial number, and storage location)

2. Regular Inspections

You should periodically check your reader to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with or replaced.

Public-facing readers (e.g., at a front desk or retail counter): check more often (daily or weekly)
Secure-area readers (e.g., staff-only office): check less often (weekly or monthly)

What to check:

Does the device look the same as usual?
Are there any loose parts, extra attachments, or wires?
Is there tape, glue, or stickers that don’t belong?
Is the device in its expected location?
(Optional for managers/IT) – Compare the device’s serial number against inventory records to confirm it hasn’t been swapped

3. Red Flags to Watch For

Broken or missing security seals
Unfamiliar or unusual equipment connected to your reader
Overlays or covers on the keypad or card slot
Damage to the casing, ports, or cables
Reader feels heavier, bulkier, or different than usual

If anything looks suspicious, stop using the device immediately.

4. Reporting Issues

If you find a problem:

Stop using the device right away
Notify your manager or security contact immediately
Place the device in a secure location until it can be reviewed
Follow your company’s incident reporting process

Following these steps keeps your card readers safe, protects your customers’ payment data, and helps your business stay compliant.

By following this guide, you can ensure your card readers remain secure, safeguard customer payment data, and maintain compliance with the Exercise.com platform.

How to Keep Your Card Reader Secure