[Info-vax] One possible market for VMS: secure credit card

[David Froble]

JF Mezei wrote:
> Checking out ferry schedules for next summer, I find this:
> 
> http://www.cmlf.com/DataSecurityInformationPage/tabid/1201/Default.aspx
> (the press releases links at bottom of page provide more info)
> 
> Thankfully, during the time of vulnerability, I think I used cash at
> their food outlets. Lasted from Sept 2013 to August 8th 2014. They were
> advised of breach on July 30th 2014.
> 
> I have to imagine that they have some PC that collects transactions and
> sends them to credit card processor. "Malware" was mentioned. So I
> immediatly assume "Windows". (Or "Weendoze" as our renowned Mr Vaxman
> would say).
> 
> 
> Imagine a small VMS box that is secure, has modern protocol support,
> especialy encryption, secure database, which would allow those outfits
> to provide secure credit card processing.
> 
> The number of breaches is worrysome, from huge outfits like Target or
> Home Depot down to some ferry service.
> 
> Market opportunity for VMS once it is on x86.

I did this in the opposite direction.  A weendoze service, with VMS 
users being the clients.  Why?  Because getting VMS to communicate 
securely with credit card processors was difficult to "it don't work".

I've since got some stuff that will work directly from VMS.  Took some 
work.  Much better, and not vulnerable to weendoze malware.

And now the game changes again.  I've got a device sitting here that is 
a scanner and keypad, that encrypts the credit card data and sends the 
encripted string to the application, for forwarding to the credit card 
processor.  Haven't had a chance to work on it yet.

Face it, the hackers are winning ....