What is Point-to-Point Encryption?

What is Point-to-Point Encryption?

Point-to-point Encryption (P2PE) is a method of encrypting data as it is transmitted over a network between two specific endpoints.

The encryption is done on one endpoint, such as a card reader or payment terminal. The decryption is done on the other endpoint, such as a payment processor or bank.

P2PE is often used to protect sensitive data, such as credit card or bank account information, during financial transactions.

It helps to ensure the security and integrity of the transaction by encrypting the data at the point of capture and decrypting it only at the intended destination, reducing the risk of data breaches or fraud.

P2PE solutions typically include a P2PE-enabled card reader or payment terminal, encryption and decryption software, and a secure key management system.

An independent security assessor usually validates these solutions to ensure that the Encryption is robust, and the key management  is secure.

P2PE is a compliance requirement for some industries, such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS).

P2PE assumes that the endpoint devices are secure and don't protect against malicious insiders or malware on the endpoint devices.

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