As the world gravitates toward digital transformation, businesses of all sizes are actively exploring cost-effective and agile ways to accept card payments. Enter SoftPOS (Software Point of Sale) solutions. These innovative payment technologies enable merchants to turn any commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) device, like a smartphone or tablet, into a secure payment terminal without the need for traditional hardware such as PIN pads or card readers. With projections indicating the SoftPOS market will surge to $27.7 billion by 2030, it is evident that merchants are embracing the ease, scalability, and cost-efficiency SoftPOS platforms offer.

Among the most disruptive innovations enabled by SoftPOS is NFC Payment  contactless transactions using Near Field Communication. As consumer preferences shift toward seamless tap-and-go experiences, NFC Payments on SoftPOS devices are redefining in-store and mobile commerce.

EazyPayTech is at the forefront of this revolution, delivering SoftPOS and NFC Payment solutions tailored to modern commerce. But while the benefits are clear, one crucial element underpins the success and scalability of these technologies, security.

Understanding the Need for Security in SoftPOS Solutions

Traditional hardware POS systems benefit from built-in secure elements, such as Secure Execution Environments (SEEs) and tamper-resistant features. SoftPOS solutions, operating purely on software within mobile devices, lack these physical protections. This gap means software-based solutions must implement stringent security controls to ensure payment data is protected from evolving cyber threats.

This is where PCI SSC (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council) steps in. As an independent body formed by major card networks including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and others, PCI SSC introduces rigorous standards to secure digital payment ecosystems.

PCI MPoC – The Gold Standard in SoftPOS Certification

The pivotal security standard for SoftPOS is PCI MPoC Mobile Payments on COTS. Introduced by PCI SSC, the MPoC standard was crafted to be objective-based and modular, unlike its predecessors, PCI CPoC (Contactless Payments on COTS) and PCI SPoC (Software-Based PIN Entry on COTS). PCI MPoC allows for a wide variety of secure payment acceptance models, making it the most comprehensive security benchmark for modern, software-driven POS systems.

MPoC v1.1, released on November 26, 2024, builds upon initial feedback and enhances the standard’s flexibility, aligning with real-world use cases. It supports multiple cardholder verification methods, offline transactions, manual card entry, and even innovative features like image-based card data capture.

Key Highlights of PCI MPoC

• Support for contactless, chip, and magnetic stripe transactions.
• Support for PIN entry, both online and offline.
• Acceptance of external secure card readers with or without PIN entry.
• Deployment flexibility for merchant-owned or enterprise-only devices.
• Enabling SDK and service component certifications independently.

Breaking Down MPoC Certification Requirements

For a SoftPOS solution to be considered PCI MPoC-compliant, it must undergo comprehensive assessments across 192 individual security requirements. These are categorized under domains such as software integrity, attestation and monitoring, backend security, and vulnerability resilience.

Here are the critical components a vendor like EazyPayTech must demonstrate compliance with:

1. PCI DSS Certification: The back-end payment processing and remote kernel systems must align with PCI DSS (Data Security Standard).
2. PCI PIN Certification: If the solution supports PIN entry, the backend handling PIN must meet PCI PIN requirements.
3. PCI Secure SLC Compliance: The solution’s software must be developed under a Secure Software Lifecycle model, validated by a PCI-recognized lab.
4. Attestation and Monitoring: Continuous integrity verification and runtime monitoring must be implemented. These systems can either be PCI DSS certified or assessed under Appendix A of the MPoC standard.
5. Vulnerability and Penetration Testing: Independent security assessments, including annual vulnerability scans and penetration tests, must be conducted to maintain certification validity.
6. Appendix D Compliance for PCI MPoC: For software development, PCI MPoC Appendix D outlines additional requirements concerning code quality, secure development practices, and third-party dependency management.

Modular Certification Greater Flexibility for Innovators

One of the most forward-thinking aspects of MPoC is its modular certification structure. It allows vendors to certify:

• The MPoC Software Application separately.
• The MPoC Software Development Kit (SDK) independently.
• The MPoC Solution (a complete end-to-end SoftPOS environment).

This approach enables solution providers to develop and certify components incrementally rather than all at once. For example, EazyPay Tech can certify its SDK first, then later integrate and certify the full application suite, streamlining development cycles and reducing time-to-market.

Moreover, this modular framework allows different vendors to collaborate on building SoftPOS ecosystems. A device manufacturer, SDK provider, and backend service provider can each focus on their area of expertise, then combine their certified components to deliver a comprehensive MPoC-certified solution.

Payment Scheme Certification – Beyond PCI SSC

Though PCI SSC defines the core MPoC security requirements, the approval and usage of SoftPOS systems also depend on mandates from individual card schemes (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). In recent years, these schemes have phased out their proprietary security programs in favor of the MPoC standard.

Visa, for instance, now requires all SoftPOS solution providers to obtain at least one of the following certifications:

• MPoC Solution (full end-to-end stack).
• MPoC Software Application.
• MPoC Software SDK Isolated.

These options offer flexibility to stakeholders and acknowledge the complex nature of SoftPOS development. However, if a SoftPOS solution aims to support multiple payment brands, a full MPoC Solution certification is essential.

SoftPOS Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

SoftPOS is transforming how businesses—from retail giants to street vendors—interact with customers. With just a mobile device, businesses can:

• Accept NFC Payments and contactless cards at pop-up stores or kiosks.
• Enable secure card payments for gig workers and delivery personnel.
• Equip retail staff with mobile checkout solutions to reduce queue times.
• Facilitate onboard payments in transportation and logistics.

EazyPay Tech’s SoftPOS platform not only caters to these varied use cases but also ensures that the integrity and confidentiality of cardholder data is never compromised. Our modular design, secure backend, and flexible SDKs empower businesses to scale confidently.

Why Choose EazyPay Tech for SoftPOS and MPoC Certification?

EazyPayTech combines domain expertise, regulatory insight, and technical excellence to help partners bring SoftPOS and NFC Payment solutions to market that are:

• Fully PCI MPoC compliant
• Designed for global interoperability
• Capable of supporting multi-brand payment schemes
• Flexible enough for white-label, OEM, and custom deployments
• Built on a secure software foundation validated through SLC practices

We provide end-to-end support throughout the certification journey—from SDK development and backend architecture, to lab testing coordination and final deployment. With our dedicated focus on mobile-first payment technologies, we ensure that your SoftPOS and NFC Payment solution is future-ready, globally compliant, and seamlessly deployable.

Powering the Next Generation of Secure, Mobile Payments

The SoftPOS revolution is unlocking unprecedented flexibility, affordability, and accessibility in digital payment acceptance. However, these benefits must be balanced with unwavering commitment to security and compliance.

The PCI MPoC standard provides the necessary blueprint for secure deployment, while certification acts as a seal of trust and reliability in the eyes of merchants, acquirers, and customers alike.

EazyPayTech stands as a trusted partner in this transformative journey—helping businesses navigate the complexities of MPoC certification while delivering robust, secure, and scalable SoftPOS and NFC Payment solutions.

For more information about our SoftPOS services and MPoC certification support, contact EazyPayTech today and embrace the future of payments, securely and confidently.