Sunday 16 September 2012

Is Your Online Store Following PCI Compliance Standards?

By Kate Bailey


Every business should make maintaining PCI compliance a priority in order to safeguard customer information. From restaurant to retail, service and government industries, every corporation that deals with card payments must ensure that it is following the compliance standard. As technology continues to evolve, so must our commitment to securing customer data against those who would steal it and engage in fraudulent activity.

One of the internet's biggest issues is security; as an e-retailer you need to ensure that your online shop is safe and secure throughout the payment process, handling sensitive information efficiently and securely. This brings me on to this week's blog topic; PCI Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). In laymen's terms this is the framework and set of regulations compiled by the PCI Security Standards Council within which online merchants must operate in order to be compliant. It demands that merchants develop a tenacious online card payment system, incorporating processes for prevention, detection and appropriate responses to security incidents.

Why Should I Comply? As a merchant, you are probably wondering why you need to comply with the PCI Security Standards. These strict guidelines seem like a lot of effort, especially to small organizations. However Payment Card Security is becoming increasingly important and implementing precautionary measures could be potentially business saving. Some of the reasons why (as highlighted by the Compliance Council*) it would benefit to comply with the Security Standards are: Compliance with the standards means that your systems are secure, and customers can trust you with their sensitive payment card information. Trust means your customers have confidence in doing business with you.

Confident customers are more likely to be repeat customers, and to recommend you to others. Compliance improves your reputation with acquirers and payment brands -- the partners you need in order to do business. Compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It helps prevent security breaches and theft of payment card data, not just today, but in the future. As data compromise becomes ever more sophisticated, it becomes ever more difficult for an individual merchant to stay ahead of the threats. The PCI Security Standards Council is constantly working to monitor threats and improve the industry's means of dealing with them, through enhancements to Security Standards and by the training of security professionals.

Aside from escaping monetary losses, there are numerous advantages to keeping your business compliant. Improving organizational security will help fend off hackers so that you can rest assured that cardholders' information is safe from harm. This will help build up your customer base, as happy and confident shoppers turn into repeat customers. Your overall brand image will be positive, showing your company as a responsible and productive member in the market that not only adheres to but also promotes PCI compliance. Business partners and investors will become confident in your capabilities as a company, and you will sleep more soundly at night knowing that you are doing everything in your power to protect your firm.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment