Encrypting PIN pad

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Keypad of an EPP from NCR

The Encrypting PIN Pad ( EPP ; German encrypting PIN keypad ) is a special keyboard for entering the personal identification number ( PIN ) at ATMs , POS terminals and transfer terminals .

This keyboard together with an encryption - hardware a unit, thus avoiding that the PIN ever reaches unencrypted in the outside world. The ATM software only works with an encrypted PIN, and of course this applies even more to the forwarding of inquiries via network connections. The PIN is only checked in the bank's central computer using the central key stored there.

Since keys are only valid for a limited time for security reasons, there is a method called online personalization of terminals (OPT) to distribute keys in a secure manner to terminals and especially in their EPPs.