At the core of the Payment Card Industry’s Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS, is to protect the sensitive credit card data that companies store for their records. As a global organization, the PCI Security Standards Council is concerned with the security of this data from a worldwide perspective and their standards impact organizations across the globe, such as financial institutions and software developers who are responsible for creating the payment processors.
The council’s mission is to create a set of standards and guidelines that businesses of all sizes could follow in order to keep stored credit card information and customer data secure. Businesses that need to accept credit card payments need to maintain PCI DSS compliance in order to keep this data safe. Here is an overview of some of the guidelines and how to adhere to them:
Follow Data Storage Guidelines
The main goal of the PCI DSS security standards is to regulate how businesses that have a legitimate need to collect credit card payments store and maintain this customer data. It is important for these businesses to know not only how to store the data but which information is able to be collected to remain compliant with the standards. For instances, entry devices and payment processors that these businesses use need to be approved by the PCI Security Standards Council. All the major credit card brands require PCI DSS compliance so it is important that businesses that accept payments such as American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Discover adhere to the guidelines, as well.
Know What isn’t Allowed
Besides knowing what the guidelines are for remaining PCI DSS compliant, it is also important to know what not to do. For example, businesses should be wary of storing sensitive data unless it is deemed absolutely necessary. It is also wrong to store sensitive PIN numbers or the three or four digit verification code that is located at the back of credit cards. These are safety features and making sure that this information isn’t stored offers another level of security. All printouts generated from PED terminals should be masked, and data should never be stored in devices such as smartphones and laptops that are considered insecure. PCI DSS guidelines require a certain level of security in order for the businesses to remain compliant. It is also important to limit the number of people who are able to access the sensitive data, and to also prevent those who aren’t authorized from getting at the information.
Confused as to how to remain compliant with the PCI DSS standards? For businesses that accept credit card information from their customers and clients, it is important that the PCI DSS standards are adhered to in order to keep sensitive data safe and secure. Please contact Roan Solutions for assistance on how to keep credit card data safe by maintaining PCI DSS compliance.
