Challenges
The cybersecurity assessment uncovered a major issue, namely that a settings area on the company’s POS devices could be accessed without proper permission.
This meant that anyone who could physically reach a device had the ability to change important configurations, and this flaw posed a serious risk to the reliability and security of payment systems.
In practical terms, this made it possible for an attacker to:
- Interfere with how the payment device worked
- Potentially commit fraud
- Interrupt transactions
- Manipulate data
The assessment also found that some app communications weren’t as secure as they should be, namely:
- Data sent over the network could be intercepted or changed.
- Certain encryption methods were outdated or too weak by today’s standards.
Overall, the controls around POS device security and data protection weren’t strong enough for a financial organization that relies on safe and smooth transactions to earn and keep customer trust.
Objectives
The goal was to see if key applications and access points were vulnerable, whether user sessions could be trusted, and which issues posed the highest risk. More than just a technical review, the company needed clear insight into its real-world exposure, along with straightforward guidance on what to fix first and how to reduce risk quickly.
Services Provided
As part of a larger security assessment for the client, CyberGlobal carried out a penetration test to identify how gaps in access control, application behavior, or data handling could be exploited in real-world scenarios.
The team looked closely at whether sensitive areas could be discovered or misused from the outside and how system settings either strengthened or weakened protection.
Execution and Outcomes
CyberGlobal structured the assessment around the real-world risks the organization could face, focusing on how an attacker might target POS systems and related applications.
The team discovered that it was possible to open the settings menu on these devices without going through the expected authorization steps. This meant anyone with physical access could change important configurations, potentially affecting how payments were processed, how the device connected to networks, or how it trusted other systems.
They also analyzed how data moved through the system and found that some communications were not fully protected, making them vulnerable to being seen or altered during transmission. In some cases, the tools used to safeguard data weren’t strong enough to meet modern security standards.
By the end of the assessment, the company had a clear picture of where the biggest security gaps were and where to focus its efforts to fix them.
Solutions
CyberGlobal advised the client to tighten security around the POS settings menu, making sure only authorized staff could access and change important configurations. This would reduce the risk of someone misusing a device to cause harm or interrupt payment services.
They also recommended adding approval steps before making changes that affect how devices connect or store data, ensuring those actions are intentional and tracked.
For network communication, CyberGlobal suggested using stronger encryption methods and retiring outdated ones to protect sensitive data from being seen or altered during transmission.
Together, these steps help the organization regain control over its systems, improve data protection, and ensure payment operations stay secure, reliable, and in line with modern cybersecurity standards.
Results
By fixing the security gaps that were found, the organization is now less likely to face unauthorized access to its POS system or unexpected changes to how payment devices behave.
Improved protection of data in transit also reduces the risk of information being intercepted or tampered with, thus transactions are processed smoothly and securely.
These changes build greater confidence in the reliability of the company’s payment systems and strengthen its reputation in the UAE financial services industry. With a clear view of its exposure and a set of prioritized next steps, the business is now in a much stronger position to manage cyber risks effectively.
CyberGlobal continues to support financial institutions across the region with expert penetration testing and tailored security advice. Other firms are encouraged to evaluate their systems, especially those tied to payment infrastructure, to stay ahead of threats and close gaps before attackers can take advantage.