End of certification in 2025? Why switching to a cloud TSS is now worth it

Victoria Waba

Content Marketing Manager

3/31/20257 min read

At fiskaly, Victoria specializes in the German market, digital receipts, and employer branding. With a deep understanding of the digital landscape, she simplifies fiscalization, enhancing transparency and compliance.

A certified technical security system (TSS) is a key component of the Cash Register Security Ordinance (KassenSichV). It ensures the tamper-proof recording of all POS transactions. Technically, this can be implemented using either a hardware-based solution or cloud-based data storage (see the application decree for § 146a AO).

However, many businesses using hardware-based TSSs since 2020 now face an important decision: the certificates for many hardware TSSs will expire in 2025.

We explain how TSS certification works, why many hardware TSSs are reaching their end of life, and why now is the perfect time to switch to a modern cloud TSS.

How does TSS certification work?

Both hardware and cloud-based TSSs are certified by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). This certification is time-limited – usually valid for 5 years, in some cases up to 7 years. Once this period ends, the TSS can no longer be used in a compliant manner.

Hardware TSSs were a practical first solution for many businesses to meet legal requirements. But their technological limitations and high operating costs make them increasingly unattractive. As the expiration date of many hardware TSSs approaches, companies must decide whether to invest in new hardware – often at considerable cost.

Hardware TSS:

Physical storage modules (e.g., USB sticks, SD cards, or network solutions)
Certificate is tied to the physical device
Limited scalability, challenging with system changes or high transaction volumes
Limited lifespan due to storage capacity, wear and certificate expiration – needs regular replacement

Cloud TSS:

Software-based solution, no local hardware required
Certificates are updated centrally with no integration changes
No physical replacement necessary

Why are so many hardware TSSs expiring in 2025?

The first TSSs were certified in 2020, including many hardware-based systems. With a standard validity of 5 years, this means: they expire in 2025.

The consequence:

The TSS becomes invalid after certification ends.
The hardware must be replaced.
Action is required for all companies that want to remain compliant.

The Benefits of a Cloud TSS

Switching to a future-proof cloud solution brings numerous technical and operational advantages.

✅ Lower costs and less effort

With a cloud-based solution, there’s no need to purchase and install physical devices that can fail or need replacing. The security infrastructure is managed by the provider. This generally means much lower operating costs – especially when you factor in personnel resources for setup and maintenance.

✅ Automatic updates

Necessary updates happen automatically and without manual intervention. New legal requirements are implemented quickly and centrally – often without extra costs for the user.

✅ Simple data management and export

Data is centrally accessible and easy to export – for example, in the case of a cash inspection. All transactions can be transparently managed via a dashboard.

✅ Ideal for mobile POS systems and remote access

Devices like tablets can be easily used with a cloud TSS – something that’s hardly practical or fully impossible with hardware. The fiskaly Cloud TSS is optimized for mobile use and allows POS systems to be secured across locations.

✅ Easy integration of third-party providers

Archiving systems, accounting tools, or other services can be easily connected. This creates a flexible, future-ready ecosystem that grows with your business.

✅ No manual re-certification needed by the operator

With hardware TSSs, new certified devices must be purchased every 5 years – including the setup process. The cloud TSS is updated centrally by the provider, there’s no action required on your part when certificates expire.

✅ Changing your POS system is simple

If you decide to switch your POS system in the future, the cloud TSS remains usable – without technical hurdles. It can be easily adapted to new systems.

✅ Easy scalability

Scalability is a key benefit of the cloud TSS. As a POS vendor or system manufacturer, you don’t have to worry about maintaining or hitting limits with individual devices. A cloud TSS like fiskaly’s scales with your needs – whether that means adding more devices, increasing transaction volume, or expanding to other countries. New locations or systems can be added quickly and easily.

Why now is the right time to switch your technical security system

If your hardware TSS expires in 2025, don’t wait until the last minute. Because:

Planning and switching in advance avoids stress and downtime.
Many vendors and retailers will face the same migration needs in 2025.
With a cloud TSS, you can begin parallel integration now without immediately deactivating your hardware TSS.

Take this opportunity to switch to a cloud TSS

The upcoming replacement of many hardware TSSs isn’t a risk – it’s the perfect opportunity to switch to a modern, scalable, low-maintenance solution.

Changing systems may bring challenges, but with fiskaly, the process is easier than you expect. Our API-first architecture and predictable pricing make operations efficient and resource-friendly – ideal for businesses without in-house hardware capabilities or with limited development resources.

Thanks to our user-friendly API, integration is quick and simple, and automatic updates ensure smooth operation. Our onboarding guide gives new customers a clear overview of our system. And if questions arise, our support team is always there for you.

The benefits of the fiskaly cloud TSS

The fiskaly Cloud TSS offers a future-proof, flexible, and cost-efficient alternative to traditional hardware TSSs. Automatic updates ensure legal compliance at all times, including:

Best of all: You don’t have to worry about a thing. Plus, the solution offers outstanding flexibility to adapt to rapid growth. All data is securely and sustainably managed in the cloud, certified under ISO 27001.