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Complying with the The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (commonly referred to as PCI) provides specific advice and guidance to help businesses that process, store, or transmit payment card data prevent fraud and security breaches. The PCI Security Standards Council was formed by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa International to write and manage the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
All businesses that process, store or transmit card payments must be PCI compliant to avoid the liabilities that could result from fraud. Many businesses rely on 3rd party payment gateways and merchant providers to capture and process card details and for these companies compliance has for the most part been delegated. However, even if this is the case it is important to understand the responsibilities that come with handling personal card data and to be aware of the 'rules' of card handling.
There are also many companies that have not delegated the responsibility for PCI compliance and must therefore ensure that they are themselves complying with the standards. Depending on the volume of transactions these companies may be classed as level 1, 2 or 3 merchants and the enforcement of PCI compliance will vary accordingly. Most level 3 merchants can achieve compliance without too much work. Level 1 merchants are subject to annual audits and with high volumes of card transactions will need to place PCI compliance right at the heart of their corporate strategy.
SEM Solutions can assist with becomming compliant in a number of ways, including carrying out pre-compliance audits, making recommendations, offering support and advice and overseeing the implementation of procedures.
If you need any assistance with compliance and you would like to discuss your requirements in confidence without obligation then please call Simon on 01233 656780