it was yesterday Thursday 28 November 2024you were unable to make an electronic payment through POS with the ATM, Pagobancomat and Nexi circuits, or online payment with services like PayPal or withdraw from ATMsyou were not the only ones. Starting from 11:25 yesterday, in fact, there was a widespread problem throughout Italy with paying in blind mode, wich affected manny users, as can be seen from reports collected by Detector down (a famous collaborative portal where individual users send reports of disruptions affecting different types of services).
according to data provided by Detector downthe inconveniences – which ended yesterday afternoon – would have started again this morning: the reported curves, at the time we are writing this article, are really going up. The reason, as reported by the French company Global linewhich is a world leader in payment processing, is experiencing a general outage of its network in Italy.
Reports collected by Downdetector regarding problems affecting various banks and circuits. Credit: Down detector.Problems with ATM and POS payments: the causes
The fault which affected the payment circuits is attributed to aWorldline Italian data center connection outagea company that handles electronic payment processing for many banks in Europe. Worldline is investigating what happened. In one official note he explained that the root cause of the outage has been identified (although it appears many users are still affected by problems and malfunctions). The company explained in this case:
Worldline services were affected connection problems to its data centers in Italy due to a third-party operator’s network outage. The root cause of the break has been identified. The local authorities’ gas pipeline installation work caused important damage to our supplier’s cables and network. Restoration work from our supplier is expected to begin later today [28 novembre,NdR]. The impacts are mainly localized in Italy, with effects in several other markets. In the meantime, Worldline is working hard to identify other possible solutions to reactivate services, pending the restoration of the physical infrastructure. Worldline is working closely with the network operator to monitor the progress of the restoration work.
Reports of the downturn in electronic payments could continue today
The business involved several banking institutions, including BPER Bank e BPM Bankin addition to the circuits VISA e Master cardwith widespread malfunctions also in the services of various Italian banks, for example Intesa Sanpaolo. It is indeed not yet clear whether yesterday’s breakout will repeat itself today and whether it will do so for as long, but the reported curves on Detector down they indicate that the problems may not be over, so we recommend that you bring some cash in case you are affected by the critical issues that many other users have had in the past few hours.
What are the common causes of technical glitches in electronic payment systems?
Title: Unraveling the Payment Frustrations: An Interview with Payment Systems Expert Dr. Elena Rossi
Time.news editor (TNE): Good day, everyone! Today, we have a fascinating topic too discuss regarding the recent issues experienced with electronic payments across various platforms. Joining us is Dr. Elena Rossi, a prominent expert in payment systems. Welcome, Dr. Rossi!
Dr. Elena rossi (ER): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Recently,on November 28,2024,many people experienced difficulties making electronic payments through POS systems,including Pagobancomat and Nexi,as well as online services like PayPal. What happened that day?
ER: Yes,that was quite an interesting incident. Reports indicated that a widespread technical glitch affected multiple payment networks, preventing users from completing transactions at POS terminals, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and making online purchases. Such disruptions can considerably inconvenience consumers and businesses alike.
TNE: It must have been quite a stressful day for shoppers and merchants. What were the immediate reactions from the public and businesses?
ER: Absolutely, the frustration was palpable. people rely heavily on electronic payments in today’s fast-paced habitat. Many took to social media to express their confusion and frustration. Businesses were impacted, too, especially retailers who depend on smooth transaction processes to serve their customers effectively.
TNE: We frequently enough hear about the convenience of cashless transactions.What are the inherent risks and challenges associated with these systems that can lead to such outages?
ER: Grate question! The shift to cashless systems has been remarkable, but it also comes with vulnerabilities. Technical glitches can arise from software malfunctions, infrastructure failures, or even cyberattacks. Additionally, dependencies on third-party service providers can introduce additional risks, as seen in this case.
TNE: After such incidents, what steps should companies take to prevent these issues in the future?
ER: First and foremost, companies need to invest in robust infrastructure and backup systems to enhance reliability. Regular maintenance,updates,and security audits are also crucial. Moreover, having a strong contingency plan can help mitigate the impact of any future outages, ensuring that businesses can continue to operate even when faced with technical difficulties.
TNE: What about consumer education? Should users be more aware of alternative payment methods available to them?
ER: absolutely! consumers should be educated about alternative payment options and have backup methods ready, such as cash or different payment apps. Familiarity with various payment platforms can ensure that they are not left stranded during an outage.
TNE: As we look ahead, what trends do you foresee in the payment systems industry that could improve reliability?
ER: One significant trend is the rise of decentralized payment systems using blockchain technology. These systems offer increased clarity and could reduce vulnerability to outages. Additionally, advancements in AI and machine learning are being incorporated to predict and prevent issues before they impact consumers.
TNE: Fascinating insights, Dr. Rossi! To wrap up, what is yoru key takeaway from the November 28 incident that both consumers and companies can benefit from?
ER: The key takeaway is the importance of resilience in our payment systems.While we embrace cashless convenience, we must also be prepared for potential hiccups along the way. Being informed and having backup plans can empower consumers, while businesses need to ensure they’re equipped to handle disruptions effectively.
TNE: Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dr. Rossi! It seems that while technology continues to advance, we must also stay vigilant and prepared for the unexpected.
ER: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing these crucial topics with you.
TNE: And thank you to our readers for tuning in.Stay informed, and until next time!