Monday, 26 March 2012

Comply with PCI DSS to ensure security of e commerce transactions

By James Richy


Everyday millions of online transactions take place across the globe. People divulge their credit and debit card information to make payments but how secure are these payment systems? Loop holes in the security of these payment systems jeopardize thousands of customer everyday. Cases of credit card data theft are not an unknown phenomenon and a large number of people have been affected by unsecure online payment systems.

To reduce the vulnerability of the customers it is advisable for all those who accept process, store and transmit credit card data to follow the guidelines of PCI DSS as laid down by the PCI SSC (payment card industry security standards council).

5 major credit card companies- MasterCard worldwide, Visa International, American Express, Discover Financial Services and JCB developed this system. The PCI DSS standard was developed to bring about uniformity and consistency in data security measures. The PCI DSS works towards building and maintaining a secure network, protecting card holder data, maintain a vulnerability management program, implementation of strong access control measures, regular monitoring and testing of networks and maintaining an information security policy. If you handle, store and process credit or debit card data then it is essential that you take immediate steps to comply wit these guidelines.

You must take steps to restrict physical access to card holder data; it will do you good to test and upgrade your security systems at intervals to make sure that there is no loop hole in the system; it is advisable to draw up a policy to address the security system so that you can effectively deal with any kind of security breaches.

Compliance with PCI DSS is a strict essential if you process, store or transmit credit card information on a regular basis. If you do not comply wit these guidelines then you face the possibility of having to cough up a hefty fine. However, while complying with these norms if you still experience a security breach then you can expect exemption form being fined. Compliance with PCI DSS will ensure that your customer credit information is secure.




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