PCI Compliance and How to be Compliant

All online businesses that store or transmit credit or debit card details will need to incorporate PCI compliance to ensure they increase the security of customer data and protect against credit card fraud. This was developed in 2004 by MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Discover. PCI compliance is mandatory for all card payment firms whether your business is small or large and the security standard applies to all merchants whether it is online or offline who accept card payments.

PCI Compliance Requirements

PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard and is a global set of standards that include 12 requirements that are designed to protect credit; debit and cash card holders data. Here are the categories that will make your business PCI Compliant.

1. Maintain and install firewall configuration to protect data
2. Not using vender-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.
3. Use encryption to protect stored data.
4. Encrypt sensitive information and transmission of cardholder data across public networks.
5. Regularly update and use anti-virus protection software.
6. Maintain and develop secure systems and applications.
7. Restrict access to data by a need to know business.
8. Assign unique IDs to every person with computer access
9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data
10. Monitor and track all access to network resources and cardholder data
11. Consistently test security systems and processes.
12. Maintain a policy that addresses information security.

By following these 12 categories your business will be PCI compliant.

Enforcement of PCI Compliance and Receiving Help

Your bank will request a PCI compliance questionnaire when your business begins to accept credit card payments and enforcing PCI compliance is a protocol for them to be able to contact account holders annually to check their PCI compliance status. A business that is not working towards achieving the compliance can be fined and penalised by their bank or financial institution. You can avoid this by achieving PCI compliant by checking your business complies with the 12 requirements listed above. This may be daunting to small businesses that are new or unfamiliar with this process but help is available from PCI security advisors.

Outsourced help is highly recommended for business that are new to PCI Compliance. Security requirements often need experience IT professionals who have the technical skills and are trained in PC awareness. As the security requirements constantly change each time a newer version of PCI DSS is released. Our IT professionals are highly trained and experienced in PCI Compliance and can help your business every step of the way so contact our team of experts at www.tristaritsupport.co.uk/contact now and get the help you deserve.