Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and preventing tampering of card readers are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a secure card reader for detecting and preventing tampering, the secure card reader comprising a reading head configured to extract recorded data from a data card, a processing circuitry coupled to the reading head, at least one printed circuit board comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is closer to the processing circuitry than the outer surface, at least one secure trace coupled to the processing circuitry, and a security mesh coupled to the processing circuitry, wherein the security mesh is disposed between the secure trace and the outer surface, and a housing, wherein the housing and the at least one printed circuit board form a compartment substantially enclosing the processing circuitry.