HSM IT ServicesGas Stations and Convenience Stores
Gas stations and convenience stores in Alberta run around the clock with point of sale, fuel controllers, payment terminals and cameras that must always work. HSM IT Services supports and secures these systems so sites stay open, payments stay protected and owners can see what is happening.
A gas station or convenience store depends on a mix of systems that must work together. The point of sale connects with fuel controllers and pump payment terminals, and stores may also host ATMs, lottery terminals, car wash controllers, scanners, scales and back office computers. Many sites operate 24 hours a day, so outages at any hour mean lost sales and frustrated customers. Owners with several locations need consistent setups and support they can reach at any time.
Fuel and convenience retailers handle a high volume of card transactions, including at unattended pumps, which makes payment security a priority. Card skimming at pumps, compromised POS systems and insecure remote access by vendors are common concerns. Payment card industry requirements apply, and the specific controls depend on the equipment and processor in use. Third-party terminals such as ATMs and lottery equipment are usually managed by their providers, but they still share physical space and sometimes network connections.
Cameras play a major role in protecting staff, reducing theft and investigating drive-offs and incidents. Camera systems need reliable storage, secure remote viewing and regular updates. Video surveillance involves personal information, so retention and access should be planned under PIPA. Staff turnover and shared accounts on store systems add further risk. A managed approach to networks, devices and cameras across every site helps owners stay in control. It also makes audits, vendor visits and new site openings far easier to manage.
Risks we see most
Payment card skimming and compromise
Skimmers at pumps and malware on POS systems can capture card data from many customers before detection.
Insecure vendor remote access
Remote support tools used by POS, fuel and equipment vendors can be abused if not secured and monitored.
Around-the-clock downtime
Network or POS failures at 24-hour sites stop fuel and in-store sales at any hour.
Unsecured cameras
Camera systems with default passwords or exposed remote access can be viewed or disabled by outsiders.
Shared accounts and turnover
Generic logins and frequent staff changes make it difficult to control who can access store and payment systems.
How HSM IT Services helps
- Support for POS, back office computers, scanners and the networks that connect them to fuel systems
- Network segmentation for payment devices, third-party terminals, cameras and guest Wi-Fi
- Control and monitoring of vendor remote access to store systems
- Security camera design, installation, storage and secure remote viewing
- Backup internet connections and monitoring for 24-hour sites
- Standard configurations across multiple locations for easier support and audits
Rules and standards that apply
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
- Alberta Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), including video surveillance
- Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) requirements for lottery and liquor retailers where applicable
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your obligations with your lawyer or regulator.
Services for this sector
Managed IT Services
Our Managed IT Services puts all your technology under one phone call: computers, networks, cloud, cybersecurity, phones, printers, cabling, cameras and access control. We monitor, maintain and support it all for a predictable monthly fee, so problems are caught early and your team can focus on the business.
Learn moreNetwork and Firewall Management
Our Network and Firewall Management designs, secures and maintains the switches, Wi-Fi, firewalls and internet connections your organization depends on. We monitor performance, keep firmware current and review firewall rules so your network stays fast, stable and difficult for attackers to move through.
Learn moreSecurity Cameras and Video Surveillance
Our Security Cameras and Video Surveillance designs, installs and maintains IP camera systems with network video recorders, remote viewing and proper retention. We keep cameras secured and separated from your business network, so your video system protects your property without becoming a way into your computers.
Learn morePhysical Security
Our Physical Security brings intrusion alarms, cameras, access control and server room protection into one coordinated plan. We assess your sites, identify physical weaknesses and design layered controls, recognizing that a cyber defence is only as strong as the locks, doors and rooms protecting your equipment and records.
Learn moreQuestions we hear
Do you support fuel controllers and pump terminals?
We support the network, POS computers and connections around your fuel equipment, and we coordinate with your fuel system and payment vendors who maintain the controllers and pump terminals themselves. This gives you one point of contact while making sure certified vendors handle the equipment they are responsible for.
Can you help reduce card skimming?
We help with the parts within our scope, such as securing POS systems, separating payment networks, controlling vendor access and positioning cameras to cover pumps. We also recommend regular physical inspection of pumps and payment devices by staff, using a simple checklist, and we can help you put that routine in place.
Can owners view cameras from home?
Yes. We set up secure remote viewing through apps or web access protected by strong passwords and multi-factor authentication where supported. We avoid exposing cameras directly to the internet, and we keep firmware updated so remote access does not create a new way for outsiders to reach your systems.