In today’s advanced technological age we recommend encrypted SSP (eSSP) protocol for all operations. Over the last few years we have seen more frauds against the non-serial protocols such as pulse and parallel and it is our opinion that secure serial protocols such as SSP as now required.

 

Pulse and parallel are inherently insecure and more open to manipulation than serial communications. To help combat security issues we have a number of Interface Convertors (IF) that allow existing validators to communicate in SSP via an adapter. The IF is mounted away from the front of the machine and with only a short connection between the IF and the host control board security is enhanced.

 

The following interfaces can be used with existing pulse and parallel validators to convert to SSP:

 

IF15 = SSP - Pulse

The validator needs to be set to SSP (dip 3 up, dip 4 down or simply press and hold the configuration button on USB units) and the IF15 plugged in.

 

IF10 = SSP – Parallel

The validator needs to be set to SSP (see above) and the IF10 plugged in.

 

IF10E = encrypted SSP – Parallel

Older dip switch products need re-programming to FSP interface available to download from our website for USB units please contact technical support to ensure the correct FSP interface is available. After updating, plug in the IF10e.

Polymer Banknotes

Following the proposal from the Bank of England to introduce polymer notes in the UK what impact will this have on the industry?

 

In terms of note validation, polymer banknotes pose no additional issues and note validators will accept and stack as normal.

By utilising polymer, UK banknotes can take advantage of improved security and durability measures. Evidence points to lower counterfeiting risks and overall higher security, as polymer allows additional security measures to be added, which is another boost for the industry. Polymer banknotes should be more pleasant to handle as they stay cleaner and are more durable, with an average life expectancy of more than 2.5 times that of the existing UK paper notes.

 

Polymer banknotes are manufactured from transparent plastic film, specially coated with the ink layer that enables it to carry the printed design features of banknotes. The materials allow the inclusion of ‘windows’ or clear portions in the design, which enhance protection against counterfeits.

 

The First note that could be polymer is the £5 Winston Churchill due in 2016 followed by the £10 Jane Austen, these notes may be smaller than what we currently have but probably no smaller than existing Euro’s. Despite the visible material change the UK polymer banknotes will retain their overall look. Over 20 countries currently issue polymer banknotes. These include Australia, which introduced them in 1988, New Zealand, Mexico, Singapore, Canada and Fiji which introduced them in 2013.

 

ITL validators would not require any hardware modifications to accept the new polymer  banknotes. The only update required would be a free currency firmware update to incorporate the new polymer banknote data. Customers across the Industry would face minimal disruption if the introduction of polymer banknotes goes ahead.