Myth (1): Being a small merchant you need to take only a handful of cards rather than need a PCI

Fact: These a basic misquote that small merchant don’t need to be compliant especially those who handle one or few credit cards a year. Chiefly these merchant actually need Tobe compliant provided they are set to take a credit card by any mechanism.

Myth (2): E-commerce is the only sector where PCI applies.

Facts: PCI applies to very company that transmits, stores and process cardholder’s information. Additionally every one who takes a credit card for POS device is at a bigger risk than e-commerce solutions.

Myth (3): To be a PCI compliant you have to have majority criteria.

Fact: Generally to be a PCI compliant one has to have 100% pass mark. Less from that with even one criteria one doesn’t qualify Tobe a PCI compliance.

Myth (4): By protecting my credit card data I will automatically have handled required data without ATM debit card.

Facts: Chiefly, both are required, importantly the debit card serves double purpose by the possibility of being used on credit and debit card networks. Precisely debit card must be protected since they are covered by PCI in the same way as Credit cards.

Myth (5): To become a PCI compliance I need to wait until my business grows.

Facts: Not advisable, the truth is the PCI compliance is applicable to all sizes of businesses, additionally failure to comply there some fines and compensation required by the banks for one to face. These are mostly $50 to $90 for every card replacement.

Myth (6): It is right to agree to all Self-Assessment questionnaires.

Facts: first, agreeing to all SAQ questions is putting your business at a great risk mostly if there is no actual facts. Additionally since SAQ is a way of acquiring data about the level of compliance to your merchant bank. Beside that is a compromise tool place and you weren’t a compliance that would be a very serious case.

Math (7): Waiting until my bank asks me to become a compliant is the safest choice.

Facts: In present time, waiting for the bank encourage you to sign for compliance is very costly. Most importantly the dates of becoming a PCI compliant are far gone.

Myth (8): Having not signed anything saying am a compliance, now that am a merchant doesn’t demand for a need to a compliance.

Facts: Generally being capable to store, transit and process credit cards. That adds chances that apply for any to be a compliance. Basically the bank doesn’t have to indicate that you signed for compliance, additionally by opening an account you get set for all lined rules and regulations for PCI standards for compliance.

Myth (9): Storing any data is signed to every merchant.

Facts: This is not possible because merchants are not entitled to the data of the customer. Beside that they don’t own the customers. Additionally by doing so this is violation of state and Federal legislation privacy. The PCI regulation does allow storing of data of the following form: Pin blocks, Pin numbers, CVV or CVV2, Unencrypted credit card number and lastly Track 1 or 2 data.

Myth (10): What makes us compliant is just a single vendor and product.

Facts: Not a single vendor can handle the minimal full addresses requirement for PCI DSS which is 12. Additionally if a one product is focused during marketing one May thing its capability present all other product, whereas the resulting perception should be focusing on the big picture.

Myth (11): What makes us compliance is processing cards.

Facts: Chiefly what makes a compliance is the facts it involve the following, policies and procedures for cardholders transactions and data processing. To precise outsourcing just simplifies payment card processing but does not provide automatic compliance.

Myth (12): One IT project is PCI Compliance.

Facts: Importantly is to realize that PCI compliance is more than a project but rather an ongoing process of assessment, remediation and reporting. Additionally it is a business issue that is best addressed by multi-disciplinary team. Even though the whole compliance to the payment brands program (PCI-related system) comprise of IT staff who implements technical and operational aspects.

Myth (14): What will achieve Security for us is PCI.

Facts: Security is adversed every day and improvements are nonstop hence it gets stronger every day. Additionally since PCI compliance efforts are continuously under process of assessment and remediation that alone ensures safety of cardholder data.

Myth (15): Since PCI requires too much, that makes it unreasonable.

Facts: Generally these all is for the best for securing sensitive information since it ensures there is standard and significant details that are captured for thee merchants and processors. Importantly these leave them with no wonder of what there for then or the next step. Precisely the reasonable aspects is to give options using compensations controls to meet some requirements.

Myth (16): A Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) is basic requirement by PCI

Facts: organization do need QSA to glean their specialized values for on-site security assessment required by PCI DSS. What happens is that the QSA get the privilege to get approval for compensating control. Which basically means that PCI DSS ca provide the option of doing internal assessment with an officer sign-off if your acquirer and/or merchant bank agrees. Additionally for mid-sized and smaller merchants may use the SQA found on the PCI SSC platform and proceed with assessing themselves.

Myth (17): PCI is too easy.

Facts: No its not, actually getting to understand and implement 12 requirements of PCI DSS can seem overwhelming, especially for merchants without large IT department and Security. Beside that all that PCI DSS call for is good basic security. Importantly all that is needed by any business is to provide security to sensitive data and continuity of operation which are ruled in PCI hence makes it count every step.

Myth (18): What makes us store cardholder is PCI

Fact: Missed point is that merchant and processor have nothing to do with storage of cardholders. Actually these activity is highly discouraged by both PCI DSS and the payment card brands.these would never be allowed since it could need encryption of data to effect unreadability of data so as to secure sensitive information.

 

 

 

 

How to Become PCI Compliant

Either you are a large or a small business, working alongside the set standards is mandatory for every organization. Moreover, a business should always consider complying with PCI DSS councils policies that regulate the way card holding companies should follow. Similarly, it’s the requirement of the owner to always look for means to familiarize with what they are supposed to do.  To get such information, subscribe with one of the inspiring blogs that will give you more knowledge about the issue. The PCI council is an independent body that investigates and updates the changes in the standards that organizations holding the card data for the customers should always follow. The followings steps should be adopted.

Confirm your Merchant Level

One thing that you should understand is the level under which you should operate. The businesses are organized based on levels 1 to level 4. Every phase has its requirements that the operator should be able to understand before commencing offering services or goods and services. For example, level four has more responsibilities than level 1. Moreover, the fines differ based on the number of customers served per a given time.

Understand those PCI DSS Standards

One mistake that large and small organizations fail to understand is what the council needs from them. Likewise, the businesses handling cards as a form of payments should always remain alert on the changes that happen on a daily basis. Chiefly, consider reading through the updated guidelines that are provided by the PCI DSS council. Furthermore, understand the fines, and possible penalties that are associated with the violation.

Familiarize with Security Policies

Every country is operated by the jurisprudence of the land. To understand how to deal with the card data, one thing should be clear; updating with policies. Again, security policies are not static. They keep on changing, and the similar case should happen to the business. The level of technology and expertise needed to remain compliant depends on the scale. Small enterprises would need little input, while the large ones require more.

Build a Secure Network

The intrusion of the business data from the external sources has become a threat in the world. Due to increased rates of cyber insecurity, it’s critical to enhancing data security. Businesses should always develop firewalls and appropriate antivirus programs. Ensure the computers are safe to use, with maximum protection of customer’s information.

Monitor and Test your Networks

Your program should include regular tests and monitoring of your networks. This is important to enable locate the possibilities of intrusion from external perpetrators. Checks should be conducted when the system has no traffic, especially over the nights. Furthermore, it should also be done when there is substantial use, to determine the strengths of your program.

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What did it cost to Become PCI Compliant?

Handling customers’ credit cards is not an option that relegates ignoring the basics of security and personal data protection.Likewise, the businesses are mandated to heighten the strategies they use, to safeguard the data exchange process.Identically,  It’s important to note that online frauds are always alert, to establish an open network that can enable them to access the point of sale. Moreover, the intrusion happens in secrecy, therefore, difficult to determine quickly. However, the IT experts in the organization should remain alert and conduct regular audits, to identify any form of external attack. The proliferation of e-Commerce has increased the number of cyber crimes. Chiefly, businesses must secure the clients. To understand more about compliance, read through the paragraphs below for more insight.

PCI Compliance

Businesses that accept credit card payments are controlled by the PCI-DSS council. Based on the guidelines that are printed on their website, it is the responsibility of any trader to enhance the security of every customer. Nevertheless, leakage might cost the business hefty fines. Besides, the trader is expected by the council to install reliable computers under safe working environment. Correspondingly, regulations have been changing depending on the global markets environments. The wake of hackers necessitates more stringent policies imposed on the companies that handle credit cards. Furthermore, the PCI-DSS council conducts regular audits and scans to ensure the businesses operate legally.Additionally ,Some of the requirements are the use of string antivirus programs, installation of firewalls among other periphery compliances.

Consequences of Data Breach

Data is very essential for any organization to do well in a complex market. Breaching is the situation whereby the organization fails to protect the personal data of its customers. When such happens, the owner is legible to fines. Likewise, the customers can sue the company and seek compensations in case they lose money. In instances where the business is found non-compliant, several costs are attracted. One, replacing the card to every customer might cost anything between $2-5. For large organizations that serve a broad base of customers, the final figure is enormous. Additionally, the compliance standards would require a forensic audit to be conducted. Far and above, additional monitoring technologies would be necessary. All these expenses are incurred by the owner.

PCI Assistance programs

For your data handling process to function well, one needs well-stationed methods. Again, apart from having right technology and modern machines to process the data, qualified personnel is optimal. Similarly, need to have a system whereby the employees understand the repercussions of data breaches. Furthermore, the professionals with an understanding of PCI compliance would significantly mitigate the chances of violating policies. For more information about compliance, you can visit our site and get more information. https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/

Payments Technologies for securing data

There are a myriad of methods that can be employed to protect customers’ data. The realization of the risks that are presented over online transactions has influenced the businesses to up their game. One way that has largely been embraced is encryption. It’s a computational term, which means concealing the real information. This is done by using special characters that the hacker would find it hard to crack. It makes the exchange of data more secure.

With said, PCI compliance is mandatory for every organization that handles cards data. Follow our blogs for educative and most inspiring thoughts on the issue of PCI.

PCI compliance is Mandatory

Many traders question the requirements that every PCI DSS industry has to operate under strict regulations. In the wake of big data, all businesses that deal with credit cards have no choice. The owners have to remain alert to the changes that happen in the marketplace. Moreover, customer’s protection is instrumental in determining the validity of card transactions. Despite several assumptions from the critics, data security is still more area that needs improvements. Through this blog, we shall give some of the insights that are essential. There are six categories of PCI regulations.

Secure Card Processing Network

Organizations are always exposed to external risks, due to lack of reliable networks. The intruders use the open network, to access the information of their choice in the database. Likewise, the perpetrators can inject viruses that can stop the performance of the machines. The PCI DSS council requires all the businesses, to build a secure firewall, for the security of customer’s data. Additionally, companies have to prove the compliance, by submitting regular audits.

Protection of Client’s Data

Exchange of information within and outside the organization should be performed in a secure environment. Encryption is one of the most upheld methods, to hide critical information. The standards only allow relay of data to be presented while concealing the customer’s data. Additionally, consulting industry standards mitigate the chances of violating the law.

Protection of Systems against Malware

Working computers are prone to viruses that are intentionally channeled to the system. One of the most dangerous is Malware, which halts all processes. To protect your business from such anomalies, ensure regular updates. Moreover, the trader can source for more reliable antivirus programs from the market. Besides, the IT team should help the company to patch for vulnerabilities.

Enhance Access Control

Handling of cards is a delicate job because it involves dealing with customers’ data. The number of people accessing the central computer should be limited. This minimizes the chances of internal hacking, which harms the reputation of the business. It’s also important to track the employees who access the card data and ascertain their motives.

Continued Monitoring and Testing of Networks

Having a stable network is one thing, and auditing is another. An organization cannot rely on traditional methods of network security and expect to progress. Regular checks are required, to identify the loopholes of data leakage and seal them in advance. Similarly, testing the networks with varied sizes of data improves the performance. The business becomes aware of areas to improve on.

Have a Solid Information Security Policy

To survive in the market of handling data, stringent regulations are needed. Apart from the policies that are given by PCI council, every organization should have an internal system. Employees should be exposed to the need of maintaining the security of customer’s data. It can be done by holding a regular seminars or providing them with printed guidelines.

Is PCI Compliance Necessary?

Well, to answer this question, we need to look at a case scenario. Assume you are the customer, and you lose a substantial amount of dollars from your card. If the company causes the mistake, you take a shift to solve the case in a court of law. The business suffers by losing customers and being charged hefty fines.  From the professional point of view, PCI compliance is not optional. All traders dealing with cards should register and be verified by the PCI DSS council. It doesn’t matter of the volumes of your sales, but the critical thing is security.

Costs of Complying with PCI

Several costs are associated with becoming PCI compliant. Although the setup of business and ways of operations might differ, some expenses are similar. For example, any company would require an expert to set up a secure network firewall. Some processors may charge monthly compliance fee. The most familiar one is non-compliance fee, which is levied for violating the policies. It’s an expensive warning to remain compliant. Lastly, if you experience a data breach, the provider imposes enormous fines. Moreover, you are required to process new cards for the customers. To be on the safe side, follow the stipulated policies and minimize the likelihood of data breach. Subscribe to our blog for more information.

 

 

A quick guide to becoming PCI compliant

Working with data is a risky business that requires the traders to employ the necessary security measures. To understand what the law requires of you, it’s, therefore, essential to read through the PCI compliance document. To save you from the struggle of perusing through the vast records, we have detailed a stepwise guideline that can protect you from conflicting with the policies. Besides, the blog describes the various steps that a business person is needed to do to remain compliant.

What Small Traders Need to do to Become PCI Compliant?

The large percentage of the market comprises the small traders. They are characterized by a little number of transactions per day. However, this does not eliminate them from the threats of the online fraudster. Instead, they are the primary targets by the enemies, who wish to extract card information. Due to this reason, the customers stand at high risk of losing their monies.  You have struggled with complying with the PCI, and your efforts to search for guidance online have turned futile? You need not worry anymore; we have simplified the process for you. The following paragraphs will highlight all that is required from you by the regulators.

Determine your Level

It is essential to know the level under which you operate your business. Various card offering traders are classified based on the number of transactions they handle per day. Due to this reason, the regulators have designed different policies and requirements, based on the phase of the business. A level one trader has more responsibilities than a level four. For example, level 1 is supposed to submit regular scans of the transactions, to the regulator, as a prove of maintaining the set standards. Moreover, any document can be requested at the discretion of card services offerer. Check with your bank to ascertain your level.

Determine What Exactly you need to Submit for Compliance

Once you determine your level with the bank, the next step is to decide what to provide. You need to understand the SAQ that is required, to avoid breaching the agreements.  One thing that should be recognized is that the requirements may change with time, therefore, essential to keep on clarifying and checking with the provider. Validation is performed once all the requested documents are availed for verification.

Authorized Scanning Vendor (ASV)

ASVs are organizations which perform quarterly scans for the traders. PCI council directs all organizations that are supposed to submit such scans to link with ASV provider.  Businesses are expected to present clean scans that are devoid of errors. Often time, traders choose to perform the very first scans at early dates, to identify mistakes. They remediate the problem long before the actual scans are submitted to the council.

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What it takes to Become PCI Compliant

Complying with the set standards is done to ensure the customers are safe. Various considerations have to be adhered to before one starts handling the cards for the clients. Moreover, strict regulations are set by PCI DSS, to give insight into the businesses that wish to offer such services. The following paragraphs will discuss the various elements of importance, to become legible to deal with credit cards.

The Type of Business

Do you know the size of your business? Well, if not, you need to establish the number of transactions that you take per day. Additionally, the annual earnings are essential in determining the size and performance. With that said, it is necessary to state that different businesses incur different costs to become PCI compliant.

Number of Transactions

For example, based on the study that was conducted involving 200 firms, it was noted that most of them spend close to $500,000, to become fully compliant. Additionally, based on the regulations, companies are classified in levels.  Level 2 businesses are those which makes 1 to 6 million transactions annually. They spend close to $105,000 for verification. Furthermore, level three comprises of the companies that make 20,000-1,000,000 deals annually. These contribute an estimate of $81,000. Far and above, level 4 are those institutions that make less than 20,000 transactions in a year and are expected to spend $44,000. Understand your degree to get acquainted with what the regulations will need from you.

Existing IT Department

Information technology professionals are essential in any business. One of the requirements from the PCI DSS council is that any company that involves in data should have a well-organized IT team. This requires software engineers and cybersecurity experts. They monitor and track every activity that happens online. The principal objective is to protect the exchange of data, between the client and the company offering the services. The costs that come along with information technology are things like software upgrades. Besides, you have to prove to the auditors of your business’s capability to secure the customers.

Current Card Data Processing and Storage Practices

Adopting the right techniques to secure card data is not optional for the business that wants to survive in the market. The trader is expected to prove to the PCI regulator about his or her capability to enhance security. To come up with a stable and workable platform, one needs a substantive amount of money. The charges emanate from the stepping up the storage in the cloud system. Moreover, regular maintenance of the servers comes along with the cost. It should be understood that data breaches attract fines of $90 to $305, per customer data. For example, if the business is large and deals with many customers, this could be a huge fine. It’s, therefore, crucial to adhere to all set standards.

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What is PCI Compliance?

The payments using cards have increased in the present times. If your industry accepts credit cards as a form of payment, you must protect the personal information of the owner. Due to these effects, the business owners should aspire to adhere to all the compliance laid down by the PCI DSS. Besides, one has to ensure all the transaction are done legally avoid defiling the set down policies. Moreover, you need to host your data with a PCI compliant hosting provider. This blog is ideal for the executives and IT experts, who need to understand the importance of data protection. Additionally, any interested reader can go through the content to get familiar with the new regulations and requirements. We have given recommendations including specific technology options, such as cloud-based PCI compliant hosting.

Why be PCI Compliant?

Several reasons are placed across, to justify the idea why your business should handle the data securely. The primary goals are detailed below. Familiarize yourself with all the objectives and stand a chance to win loyalty from your customers.

Building Secure Network

Understanding the processes of data exchange is one key factor in establishing the security of the customers. Also, it is the responsibility of the business owner to beef up the protection of the card data. One way to achieve this is through building a firewall that prevents chances of intrusion. Moreover, the business should not use any default passwords provided by the vendor.

Protection of Card Data

The card handlers should ensure the information of the cardholder is held personal and confidential. This can be achieved by encrypting the data shared across the open networks. Encryption is a way of concealing the identity and pertinent information that can be used by the hackers to fraud the customer.

Maintain the Management of Vulnerabilities and Risks

Working with online data is one of the most significant challenges that have always continued to bother the organizations. Likewise, the costs of continued surveillance are high, and most institutions run away from that. However, maintaining and management of vulnerabilities is not an option. It’s something that should be conducted on a regular basis. One way to enhance management is to update the antivirus. Working with expired antivirus could allow malicious intrusion from the outside. Chiefly, use of secure systems and applications is highly regarded.

Employ Strict Access Measures

The cardholder information does not leak, without an error performed by the business, or the client. With this understanding, it’s crucial to maintain the level of security that is heightened. The business owner should assign a unique ID to the computers that support the services. Also, he or she should restrict physical access to card data. Anyone willing to change information should personally present themselves, for confirmation of true identity. Furthermore, monitoring and tracking of all network access are crucial for safety.

Maintenance of Information Security Policy

Maintain the policy that addresses all the security measures in your industry. This is good for you and your customers. Through conducting regular analysis and network checks, you stand to benefit more. Incorporate such procedure with administrative work for an excellent outcome. For more information and professional, signup for our blog post.

Q1: What is PCI?

Generally (PCI DSS) which basically stand for Payment Card Industry data Security Standard. PCI DSS is the set of security standards to ensure that all companies maintain a secure environment. Additionally all companies regarding this form of security accept, process, store or transmit credit card information.

Besides that, PCI SSC which in other words stands for Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. Additionally this PCI SSC was launched on September 7, 2006 to manage the ongoing evolution of the payment card industry security standards. Basically, this was done with a focus of improving payment account throughout the transition process.

PCI SSC have a reading administrative role that manages this security sector known PCI DSS. Chiefly this body was created by the major payment card brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB).most importantly the payment brands and acquires are responsible for enforcing compliance, not the PCI council.

Q2: PCI DSS apply to.

Evidently PCI DSS applies to any organization, regardless of or number of transactions that accepts, transmit or stores any cardholder data.

Q3: Where can I find the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)?

Meanwhile the current PCI DSS documents can be found on the PCI Security Standards council website.

Q4: What are the PCI compliance ‘levels’ and how are they determined?

Basically all merchants end up falling into a one of the four merchant levels based on visa transaction. Occasionally this volumes of transaction fall for a period of 12-months.beside this all the volume transactions are based on the aggregated number of the visa transactions. This is according to the following scenario’s  (inclusive of credit ,debit and period).lastly this all follows on merchants doing business as(‘DBA’).generally In cases where the merchant chiefly corporate has more than one DBA, According to standards the visa requires must consider entity to determine the validation levels. Meanwhile this happens when or if data is not aggregated. Therefore for this to happen the corporate entity does not store, process or transmit cardholder data on behalf of multiple DBAS. Actually the acquires will continues to consider the DBAS individually transaction volume to determine validation level.

These are the most important levels as defined by Visa.

To begin with, any merchant on merchant level one, regardless of acceptance channel. He can chiefly can visa at its sole discretion. Beside that the merchant due process over 6m Visa transactions per year.  Additionally this determines should meet the level 1 merchant requirements to minimize risk to the visa system.

Secondly any merchant on merchant lvel two regardless of acceptance channel. He or she can process 1M to 6M Visa translations per year.

Thirdly, any merchant at level three do process visa from 20,000 to 1M basically for e-commerce transactions per year.

Lastly, any merchant at merchant level four has evidently shown fewer than 20,000 Visa e-commerce transactions per year. Additionally all other merchants regardless of acceptance channel chiefly process up to 1M Visa transactions per year.

Therefore, in conclusion according to merchant visa transaction ,its evidently clear that any merchant this has suffered a breach that resulted in an account data compromise, because of he/she may be escalated Accordingly even to a higher validation.

Q5: When the PCI DSS requirements are satisfied what has to be done by a small-to-medium sized business (level 4 merchant)?

There are steps followed in order to satisfy PCI requirements:

Significantly to determine which self-assessment Questionnaires (SAQ) your business should use to validate compliance.

Q6: Taking credit by phone normally work with PCI. How does it happen?

To understand how this happens, use the link provided below:

https://www.pcicomplianceguide.org/how-does-taking-credit-cards-by-phone-work-with-pci/?sessionGUID=dc1c3ded-91ac-a7de-5a2c-6e405a3305a3&sessionGUID=c22d1216-e49e-870a-ec1e-75081b4c7550&webSyncID=855801bd-cc64-7894-5abb-558e301b3c39&sessionGUID=75026e73-9622-dbbc-0d9e-ae3026788eb5

Q7: What happens when one accept credit over the phone.

Generally these what happens, all business do store, process or transmit payment cardholder data that must be a PCI compliant.

Q8: Are third party processors used by organizations have to have PCI DSS compliant?

Evidently it true, this is because using a third party company does not exclude a company from PCI DSS compliance. Additionally it may cut down on the risk exposure and consequently reduce the effort to validate compliance.

Q9: Considering that by business has multiple locations.is PCI Compliance validated on each location?

Precisely if a business location process under the same TAX ID, then ideally one is expected to only do validation once annually for all locations. additionally this should involve passing network scans by an PCI SSC Approved scanning vendor(ASV) for each location if applicable.

Q10: Which SAQ should be used when only doing e-commerce?

See the following that explained the basic idea of setting up the shopping cart.

 

Q11: If my PCI doesn’t store credit card data, does it mean that it’s not applicable?

Basically if you approve the credit or debit cards as a form of payment, evidently the PCI compliance applies to you. Additionally the storage of card data is risky, so if you therefore store card data and beside that the storage becomes secure and compliant may be easier.

Q12: Are debit card transactions in scope for PCI?

Most importantly the in scope cards include any debit and pre-paid cards branded with one of the five card association/brand logos that participate in the PCI SSC-American Express, Discover JCB, Master Card and Visa International.

Q13: Am I PCI compliant if I have an SSL certificate?

Accordingly no SSL certificates do not secure a web server from malicious attacks or intrusions. Generally there is assurance that SSL certificate provide the first tier of customer security. Additionally there is reassurance such as the below, beside that there are other steps to achieve PCI compliance. Follow the this link to learn more.

Q14: My Company wants to store credit card data. What methods can we use?

Basically most merchant who need to store credit card are occasionally doing that in order to recur billing. Therefore the best way to store the credit card data for recurring billing is evidently by utilizing a third party credit card or other side the tokenization provider.

See more here.

Q15: What are the penalties for non-compliance?

It is evident that there charges attached to any violation of the set standards. Meanwhile the fine acquiring for the bank is$50,000 to $100,000 per month for PCI compliance.

Q16: What is defined as ‘cardholder data’?

Basically the actual set that define cardholder is the PCI security Standards Council (SSC).Additionally the full primary Account Number (PAN) or the full PAN along with any of the following elements. Card name, expiration date and lastly the service code.

Q17: Define Merchant.

Beside other definitions there is one that is the most significant one because it explains the ideal purpose of the PCI DSS. Importantly the merchant is any entity that accepts payment cards bearing the logos of any of the members of PCI SSC. Additionally this members are five and they include (American Express, Discover, and JCB, MasterCard or visa) significantly as payment for goods and /or services.

Q18: constituent of a Service Provider?

Generally the following are the thought as defined by PCI SSC. Therefore service provider constitute the business entity. Additionally this entity directly involved in the processing, storage, or transmission of cardholder data. To learn more of data cardholder click here

Meanwhile you need to learn how to achieve compliance as a service provider from here.

Q19: What constitutes a payment application?

Evidently this what constitute a payment application: the ability to store, process or transmit card data electronically. Additionally this means that anything from the point of sale system to e-commerce shopping cart. Beside that all of this are classified as payment application.

Q20: What is a payment gateway?

Generally payment gateways connect a merchant to the bank or processor that is acting as the front-end connection to the card brand.

Q21: What is PA-DSS?

Precisely this is the payment application data security standard maintained by the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC).this is done significantly to address the critical issues of the payment application security.

For more click here.

Q22: can printing of a full credit card number be applied on the consumer’s copy of the receipt?

Evidently PCI DSS requirement 3.3 states chiefly mask PAN can be displayed. Importantly this happen when the first six and last four digits are the maximum number of digits to be displayed. Additionally when the requirement does not prohibit printing of the full card number or expiry date on receipts. Significantly PCI DSS does not override any other laws that legislate what can be painted on receipts or any other applicable laws.

Q23: Is validating compliance vulnerable?

Most importantly when one qualifies for certain self-assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) and electronically store cardholder’s data post authorization. Precisely the scan is done by PCI SSC Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) to maintain compliance.

Q24: How can you define vulnerability scan?

Generally vulnerability scan involves an automated tool that checks a merchant. Additionally checks a service providers system for vulnerabilities. Significantly the scan tool will conduct a non-intrusive scan to remotely review networks and web applications based on the external-facing internet protocol (IP) addresses provided by the merchant or services provider.

Q25: How often do I have to have a vulnerability scan?

Precisely every 90 days/once per quarter. Generally those who fit the above criteria are required to submit a passing scan. Additionally merchant and service providers should submit compliance documentation accordingly. Most importantly the timetable determined by their acquirer.

Q26: What if my business refuses to cooperate?

Chiefly PCI is bot itself a law. On the other side the standard were a created by the major card brands Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex and JCB. Additionally at PCI its acquirers’/service providers’ discretion, merchants that do not comply with PCI DSS may be subject to fines. Latly card replacement costs, costly forensic audits, brand damages.

Q27: Is someone is running a business from home is he/she a serious target for hackers?

Chiefly it a Yes, Therefore Home users are arguably the most vulnerable simply because they are usually not well protected. Besides that adopting of a path of least resistance model accordingly knowing that intruders will often zero-in on home users-often exploiting their always-on broadband connections. Additionally typical home use a programs such as chat, Internet games and P2P file sharing applications.

Q28: What should I do if I’m compromised?

Most importantly while many payment card data breaches are easily preventable. Afterwards they can do still happened to business of all sizes.

Additionally if your small- or mid-sized business has discovered it’s been breached accordingly there are many good resources to help you with next steps.

Q29:  Do states have laws requiring data breach notifications to the affected parties?

Absolutely. Evidently California is the catalyst data breach notifications to the affected parties, additionally the state implemented its breach notification law in 2003 and now nearly state has a similar law in place.

 

Is Firewall Necessary for Data Security?

The use of internet has proliferated in the current era. Moreover, the acquiring of digital gadgets is easy, because they are cheap. The scenario places all the users at risk of external penetration by the intruders with evil intentions. It is, therefore, essential to have your network protected by use of a firewall. It works by identifying the threats and preventing their execution on electronic gadgets.

Ask From the Experts in PCI Compliance and Network Security

We are happy to handle the question that comes from the curious reader, who want to remain compliant with the PCI guidelines. Our site together has invested in qualified experts, who will handle your question based on its urgency. The following is one of the concerns from our reader;

I run a sandwich business, and I use the card reader via the internet. Currently, I don’t have an installed computer in my shop. It’s a straightforward operation, and I usually use any computer to access the network. My credit for all four cards is about$1000, which is not a considerable amount. I don’t know whether I should buy a hardware firewall Unit? I consulted my internet provider and the bank but failed to give a solution.

Based on the Scenario, Does the Trader Needs a Firewall?

I will not hesitate to recommend a firewall for your business. Remember, even though your business is small, this does not make it selective to the cybersecurity. In fact, small enterprises are more targeted than the large corporations. Additionally, it is essential to note that safety of your credit cards is necessary and is a requirement that should be met. Besides, the bad guys scour the internet, to detect an open hotspot, where they can execute their targets. They can extract colossal information from your card before you realize, everything is wired to a different account.I want to chiefly state that any online transaction should be well guarded, irrespective of the size of the business.

Furthermore, SAQ B-IP requires any business owner operating on credit cards to have a firewall. PCI compliant firewall is the only way to protect your data, and evade the fraudsters, who pose on the internet to steal your money. Adhering to all the regulation is for your benefit.

What is the Solution?

Read through our free white paper, 5 Critical IT Challenges You Can Solve Today.Moreover, PCI guidelines has firewall options that are easy to manage and at the same time economical. For more educational releases and webinar tutorials, subscribe to this blog for more tips.

 

 

 

Internal and External Vulnerability Scans?

Security is an important aspect in any business. In the current era where cyber threats have proliferated, regular checks of your networks security is necessary. This is crucial for both the business owner and the customer. In order to maintain a good image, the trader has to guarantee all the clients about the security of their data.

Ins and Outs scanning

If you are new in the market and trying to catch up with PCI compliance, you will be exposed to a lot of terms about scanning. You will hear terminologies such as Ins and Outs. The shortening is done to make it easy for people to understand the concepts easily.  Traders are expected to run a single scan to detect any form of vulnerabilities either from inside or external. For most of them, however, they are needed to perform the procedure twice, to ascertain the security of data. Moreover, the scan has to be performed in compliance to the PCI DSS council recommendations. The post will discuss the differences between the internal and external scans. Additionally, it will explain why it is necessary to perform the scans and how they are performed.

Internal and external scans are done in the similar manner. A computer and internet connections are elementary components that are needed to execute the task. Besides, a special program is required to facilitate the process of detecting the penetration. External scan is aimed at identifying the holes in the network firewalls, where malicious intruders find their way in. Contrary, internal scan identify attacks from within the business.

Are Both Scans Important for Your Business?

Vulnerability scans are essential not only for personal protection, but also to secure the data from the wrong hand or even getting deleted. Malware and Hackers are a big threat to the safety of any information saved on computers. Organizations employ a lot of blocks against the external sources of hacking, but fail to heighten the internal security. Similarly, less effort is employed to audit the authenticity of the data exchanged by the employees, which threatens the business from being targeted from the inside. For example, a disgruntled employee could decide to stall all the processes, by deliberately sharing a virus across the open networks.

Therefore, an external scan would prevent attacks from the outsiders such as hackers. Similarly, the internal scans mitigate the errors emanating from the employees.