Introduction
We're upgrading our security infrastructure in January 2026 by deprecating outdated encryption protocols (TLS 1.0 and 1.1). This enhancement strengthens data security and maintains PCI DSS compliance for payment processing. Most customers won't experience any disruption, and we're conducting trial periods throughout January to identify any potential issues before making the change permanent.
What's changing
Access EPOS is permanently deprecating Transport Layer Security (TLS) versions 1.0 and 1.1 for all connections to EPOS Manager web back office and our APIs. Your systems will need to use TLS 1.2 or higher to maintain connectivity.
Why we're making this change
TLS 1.0 and 1.1 are outdated encryption protocols with known security vulnerabilities. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) has prohibited their use since June 2018. By forcing connection using TLS 1.2 and above, we're:
Strengthening security for your sensitive payment and operational data
Maintaining PCI DSS compliance as required for payment processing
Protecting against known vulnerabilities in older encryption methods
Aligning with industry best practices followed by major technology providers
Will this affect my system
Most customers won't be affected
If you're running Windows 7* or newer operating systems, you should experience no disruption. Most modern systems already use TLS 1.2 or higher by default.
* Please note that Windows 7 is not recommended by Access as mainstream support for this operating system ended in January 2015 and POSReady 7 ended in October 2016.
Systems that may be affected
You may experience connectivity issues if you're using:
Windows XP-based terminals or servers
Very old custom integrations or third-party software
Legacy hardware that hasn't been updated in several years
⚠️ Important: If you're running Windows XP or similar legacy systems, contact your Account Manager to discuss upgrade options.
Trial deprecation schedule
We're conducting temporary "brownouts" throughout January to identify any unexpected issues before making the change permanent. During these periods, systems still using TLS 1.0 or 1.1 will be unable to connect.
Trial periods:
Wednesday, 7th January - 9AM to 1PM (4 hours)
Tuesday, 13th January - 9AM to 1PM (4 hours)
Tuesday, 20th January - 9AM to 5PM (full business day)
Tuesday, 27th January - 9AM to 5PM (full business day)
Wednesday 28th to Thursday 29th January - 9AM Wednesday to 5PM Thursday (extended period)
🤓 Tip: If your systems operate normally during these trial periods, the permanent change won't affect you.
What you need to do
For most customers
No action is required. Your systems will continue to operate normally.
If you experience issues during trial periods
Contact our Support team immediately during the trial period
Note the specific time and nature of the connectivity issue
Our Engineering team will be available to provide immediate assistance
If you're running legacy hardware
Contact your Account Manager to discuss hardware upgrade options through either Capex or HaaS arrangements.
Getting support
During trial periods
Our Engineering team will be available in dedicated support sessions during each trial deprecation period. Your Support team can escalate issues directly to these sessions for immediate resolution.
Outside trial periods
Contact Support through your usual channels:
Phone: Your normal support number
Email: Your normal support email
Live chat: Available in EPOS Manager
Digital Assistant: Ask questions anytime in your Help Centre
Frequently asked questions
What is TLS?
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is the encryption protocol that protects data transmitted between your EPOS terminals and our servers. It ensures your payment and business data remains secure during transmission.
Why can't you keep supporting the older protocols?
TLS 1.0 and 1.1 have known security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. The payment card industry has prohibited their use since 2018, and continuing to support them would compromise your data security and our PCI DSS compliance.
Will this affect my payment processing?
No. Modern payment terminals and processors already use TLS 1.2 or higher. This change actually strengthens the security of your payment processing.
What if I discover an issue after the permanent change?
If you experience issues after the permanent deprecation, contact our Support team immediately. In exceptional cases, we have contingency options available, though these may compromise security objectives.
How do I know which Windows version I'm running?
You can check your Windows version:
On your terminal, press the Windows key + R
Type winver then press Enter
A window displays your Windows version
🤓 Tip: If you see "Windows 7" or earlier, contact your Account Manager to discuss upgrade options.