Mobile check deposits processed over $2.3 trillion in 2024, making security standards more critical than ever. Whether you’re evaluating legacy solutions like Mitek MiSnap or considering modern alternatives, these five security requirements are non-negotiable for any financial institution.

1. End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

What it means: All data must be encrypted from capture to processing, with no plaintext transmission.

Implementation essentials:

  • AES-256 encryption minimum
  • TLS 1.3 for data in transit
  • Hardware Security Module (HSM) support
  • Zero-knowledge architecture where possible
// Example: Secure image transmission
const secureUpload = {
  encryption: 'AES-256-GCM',
  keyManagement: 'HSM-backed',
  transport: 'TLS-1.3'
};

Why it matters: Even a brief exposure of check data can result in account fraud. Legacy SDKs often rely on older encryption standards that may not meet current security requirements.

2. PCI-DSS Level 1 Compliance

What it means: The highest level of Payment Card Industry security standards.

Key requirements:

  • Regular security assessments
  • Secure software development lifecycle
  • Network segmentation
  • Regular penetration testing

Red flags to avoid:

  • SDKs that don’t provide compliance documentation
  • Solutions requiring you to handle raw payment data
  • Vendors who can’t demonstrate continuous compliance monitoring

3. Device-Level Security Integration

What it means: Leveraging device security features for additional protection layers.

iOS Security Features:

  • Secure Enclave integration
  • Biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID)
  • App Transport Security (ATS)
  • Keychain Services for secure storage

Android Security Features:

  • Hardware Security Module access
  • Biometric prompt API
  • Android Keystore system
  • Network security configuration

Implementation tip: Choose SDKs that automatically leverage these features rather than requiring manual implementation.

4. GDPR and Regional Privacy Compliance

What it means: Built-in privacy controls for global operations.

Essential features:

  • Data minimization by design
  • Right to erasure capabilities
  • Consent management
  • Cross-border data transfer protections

Global considerations:

  • CCPA (California)
  • PIPEDA (Canada)
  • LGPD (Brazil)
  • Regional banking regulations

5. Real-Time Fraud Detection

What it means: AI-powered anomaly detection during the capture process.

Key capabilities:

  • Device fingerprinting
  • Behavioral biometrics
  • Image forensics
  • Velocity checking

Modern vs. Legacy approaches:

  • Legacy solutions often require separate fraud detection systems
  • Modern SDKs integrate ML-based fraud detection natively
  • Cost impact: Integrated solutions reduce infrastructure complexity

Security Audit Checklist

Before implementing any check processing SDK, ensure:

  • SOC 2 Type II certification
  • Regular third-party security audits
  • Incident response procedures documented
  • Data breach notification capabilities
  • Multi-factor authentication support
  • Session management controls
  • Secure API design principles

The Cost of Cutting Corners

Security breaches in financial services average $5.97 million per incident. While legacy solutions like Mitek MiSnap may seem established, older architectures often struggle with modern security requirements, leading to:

  • Higher compliance costs
  • Additional security infrastructure needs
  • Increased liability exposure
  • Customer trust erosion

Implementation Best Practices

  1. Start with security requirements, not features
  2. Evaluate the vendor’s security posture, not just the product
  3. Plan for compliance audits from day one
  4. Test security controls before production deployment
  5. Monitor continuously post-implementation

Next Steps

Security shouldn’t be an afterthought in your check processing implementation. Whether you’re replacing an existing solution or implementing for the first time, these standards provide the foundation for secure, compliant mobile deposit functionality.

Ready to evaluate how your current or planned check processing solution measures against these standards? Contact our security team for a comprehensive assessment.