Abstract: An apparatus and related method are provided for managing of peripheral devices and communication of sensitive data, such as, payment transactions in a manner that satisfies security concerns while minimizing maintenance of sensitive data by point-of-sale providers, which can be achieved by reducing or eliminating direct connections from internal networks to workstations and devices, and using a dedicated secure communications link for updates and processing of all sensitive data. In this manner, the system and related method reduces risk of system compromise and maintenance overhead.