Automating Recurring Billing with Netcash (2025 Guide)
December 12, 2025Here’s a scary statistic that all business owners should know: about 97% of South African businesses encountered network infiltration attempts in 2024. This is highly concerning, particularly in fields that accept online payments, such as eCommerce and service providers.
Offering secure payment solutions can be the difference between making a sale and losing that customer to a competitor. That’s where payment security tools come in. When your payment methods are backed by top-tier protocols that safeguard transactions from being compromised, you give customers peace of mind that turns them into repeat buyers.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at payment security technologies, what they are, why they’re a necessity, and how you can implement them in your business for better protection.
What is payment security?
Payment security is a set of safety measures that protects online transactions and sensitive customer information from unauthorised access. These systems detect data breaches and flag fraudulent transactions before they occur, protecting both the business and its customers.
Without tight payment security processes, you can face significant financial losses, reputational damage, and a decline in customer trust. For a small business, this could be detrimental.
Why payment security matters in 2025
South Africa’s transition from a cash-based economy to a more digital landscape, paired with escalating cybersecurity threats, brews a perfect storm for criminals looking to commit fraud. That’s why having a sophisticated payment security system is more crucial than ever before.
As technological advancements in online payments occur, the same happens with the way perpetrators attempt fraud. So it’s not enough to have online payment security. You must also constantly keep it updated to protect transactions from new schemes and infiltration threats.
Another great benefit of offering secure payment services is that they help you adhere to regulatory compliance standards. These measures have become stricter over the years, and with data breaches and fraud on the rise, they are likely to become even more stringent in the future.
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5 top payment security tools in South Africa for SMEs
The disadvantages of not using security tools to secure payments go beyond loss of revenue and reputational damage; your business could also be blacklisted from card networks. This means you’ll forfeit the ability to accept card payments, which could lead to halting operations.
So, how do you protect yourself from such threats? Here are the top five payment security tools to implement in your business.
1. Firewall
A firewall is a security system that acts as an obstacle between a trusted internal network and a suspicious external one. After setting up your business’s security rules, the firewall monitors, filters, and controls network traffic coming in and out based on those predetermined guidelines.
You can have a hardware or software-based firewall, or a combination of both. It protects your payment systems and customer data from threats such as hackers and malware. Some core firewall features include network segmentation, access control, and intrusion detection.
As a digital gatekeeper, the firewall will block unauthorised access and malicious traffic. It will also prevent unwanted software, like viruses, from entering your business’s system. A firewall also helps you stay compliant with data protection industry standards, and thanks to its agility (as a cloud-based service), operating a firewall system does not have to break the bank.
Small businesses that do not use a firewall are at great risk of suffering major losses, financial and otherwise. Downtimes cause operational disruptions, and leaked customer payment details can lead to legal repercussions such as lawsuits.
2. Fraud detection
Fraud detection involves identifying and preventing suspicious activities that may be a result of illegal actions. It’s a system that every secure payment processor must have. Without it, transactions are susceptible to intrusion, leaving the business and customer data at peril.
This technique utilises preset rules and machine learning algorithms to identify and filter out suspicious activity. These tactics include automated learning, 3D Secure (3DS), proxy detection, and risk scoring to monitor unusual patterns, track behavioural analytics, and spot anomalies.
By doing this, the system poises itself to detect irregularities or deviations from normal payment processes. This, in turn, reduces the risk of financial loss, improves compliance, and enhances customer satisfaction. Without fraud detection, you could be staring down the face of losing out to your competitors, being hit with regulatory penalties, and dealing with demoralised staff.
3. Encryption
Encryption transforms private customer information into code using advanced algorithms that prevent unauthorised access, tampering, or theft. There are two types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric is when the same algorithm is used to “lock” and “unlock” data, while asymmetric uses a shared key to encrypt, and a private one to decrypt the information.
Most businesses use these two standard encryption protocols, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS), to secure data transmission. These protocols employ a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption to safeguard data during transit.
By changing unreadable data into readable data only by authorised access, encryption provides your business transactions with the confidentiality they need to keep customer details safe. The encryption method’s strength is determined by the algorithm and the length of the security key, available as a 128-bit, 192-bit, or 256-bit key using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
With encryption, your business will remain compliant with industry standards such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). You’ll reduce data breach risks, protect your business’s intellectual property, and even build customer confidence and trust.
4. Authentication
Authentication is by far the most popular method for securing online payments. It’s a simple process or action used to verify the user’s identity. This process is commonly used at an online checkout page, via a payment link, or when users add payment details on a payment gateway.
Many South African customers are familiar with Single-Factor Authentication (SFA), which requires only one form of identification, such as a PIN or password. But, there’s also Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which requires two forms of identification, such as a PIN or code, as well as a one-time password (OTP). Multi-Factor Authentication requires three or more forms of identification.
By using authentication, you set a layer of protection for both your business and your customers, by making sure the person making the transaction is an authorised user. It enables secure integration with third-party tools, like payment gateways, and fights off payment fraud threats .
5. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of global standards that any business or organisation that processes, stores, or transmits credit card information must adhere to. It operates under a 12-point guideline that ensures the secure use of this sensitive information.
With PCI compliance, you benefit from many security measures such as strong access controls, regular monitoring, and data protection through encryption, to name a few. One of the main factors to consider when selecting a payment gateway is that it is PCI DSS compliant.
Without it, your business may face hefty penalties, potentially lose the ability to process card information, and leave sensitive information at risk of data breaches and cyber attacks.
Understanding PCI DSS compliance
Now that you know a bit more about PCI DSS compliance, let’s dive a bit deeper into why it’s essential to offer payment methods that are compliant with the standards. Below, you’ll find some of the primary objectives of PCI DSS as well as the consequences of non-compliance.
Core goals of PCI DSS:
- Ensure cardholder data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
- Use firewalls to block unauthorised traffic.
- Replace vendor default settings, usernames, and passwords on all devices.
- Install and update antivirus software across all systems.
- Grant access on a “need-to-know” basis only.
- Log all access to cardholder data and critical systems.
- Develop a written policy that outlines the security requirements for all staff.
Consequences of non-compliance:
- Financial penalties: Heavy fines from card schemes or acquiring banks for failing to comply.
- Reputational damage: Loss of customer trust, reduced sales, and negative publicity after a breach.
- Increased risk of breaches: Non-compliant systems are prime targets for hackers.
- Termination of merchant accounts: Acquiring banks may revoke your ability to process card payments.
- Legal exposure: Potential lawsuits from affected customers and stricter oversight from regulators.
Here’s a checklist you can follow to ensure your business is PCI compliant
Step 1: Assess your risks
- Identify what sensitive data you hold (customer information, banking details, contracts).
- Map out your digital assets: email accounts, websites, cloud platforms, and POS systems.
- Consider compliance requirements, such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Step 2: Secure your network
- Install a business-grade firewall (hardware or cloud-based).
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) for remote employees.
- Segment your Wi-Fi: one network for staff, another for customers/guests.
Step 3: Protect endpoints
- Deploy reliable antivirus and anti-malware solutions.
- Enable automatic updates for operating systems and apps.
- Consider endpoint detection and response (EDR) if budget allows.
Step 4: Strengthen access controls
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across email, banking, and cloud tools.
- Use a password manager to encourage the use of strong, unique passwords.
- Review user access: only give staff the permissions they need.
Step 5: Backup your data
- Use automated cloud backups and local backups.
- Test recovery regularly to ensure files can be restored quickly.
- Keep at least one backup copy offline or off-site.
Step 6: Train your team
- Run short cybersecurity awareness sessions.
- Teach staff how to spot phishing emails and suspicious links.
- Create a transparent reporting process for potential threats.
Step 7: Monitor and Respond
- Use monitoring tools to identify and track unusual activity.
- Set up alerts for failed login attempts or large data transfers to receive quick notifications.
- Have an incident response plan: identify who to contact and outline the steps to follow in the event of an incident.
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Implementing security tools in your business
Here’s an easy-to-follow, step-by-step process for implementing tight security measures in your business. With these in place, you’ll protect both yourself and your customers against threats, from fraud and data breach attempts to substantial financial losses and reputational damage.
Step 1: Assess your environment first (optional but implied)
- Identify the existing systems, data, and associated risks.
Step 2: Deploy a business-grade firewall
- Install a firewall to block malicious traffic.
- Segment networks (POS, office, guest Wi-Fi) for added security.
Step 3: Encrypt sensitive data
- Protect customer and payment data at rest and in transit.
- Use SSL/TLS for websites and encrypted cloud storage solutions.
Step 4: Strengthen access controls
- Assign unique logins and limit permissions by role.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical systems.
Step 5: Train your staff
- Run short, regular sessions on phishing, data handling, and reporting.
- Simulate attacks internally to test awareness and readiness.
Step 6: Implement fraud detection
- Monitor transactions and logins in real time.
- Use gateways or software that automatically flag unusual activity.
Step 7: Ensure PCI DSS compliance
- Follow standards for storing, processing, and transmitting card data.
- Conduct regular scans, audits, and policy reviews to stay compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Digital payment security tools in South Africa: Wrapped up
For small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa, implementing security tools isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Firewalls, encryption, access controls, staff training, fraud detection, and PCI DSS compliance form a layered defence that protects your business, reduces financial risk, and safeguards customer data.
The proper security measures give your customers confidence and keep your business resilient in an increasingly digital marketplace.
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Author:
Nico Schultz
Network Manager
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Nico Schultz is the network powerhouse behind Netcash’s rock-solid infrastructure. With over a decade at the company, he keeps systems fast, secure, and running seamlessly for businesses across South Africa. A seasoned Network Manager with deep roots in enterprise tech — from SharePoint and Exchange to SQL and advanced troubleshooting — Nico has a knack for turning complex challenges into smooth, reliable solutions. If it connects, communicates, or keeps Netcash online, Nico’s the one making it happen.
