Security and
PCI Compliance
What are the steps to PCI Compliance? There are essentially five elements of the compliance process for small to mid-size businesses:
- Validate what level merchant and type merchant you are according to the PCI standards.
- Complete the self-assessment questionnaire according to the directions.
- Complete and pass a vulnerability scan with a PCI approved scanning vendor.
- Sign and complete the Attestation of Compliance form.
- Provide all documentation to you acquirer (bank)
PCI Compliance
PCI Compliance for Business Security
PCI Compliance
PCI Compliance is a set of regulations defined by the Payment Card Industry (PCI) to help define how businesses collect, transfer, store, retain and destroy sensitive credit card information. This governing body is comprised of representatives from MasterCard, Visa and American Express.
Deadlines and rules for becoming PCI Compliant are defined and depend on what type and level “merchant” you are. A merchant is defined as any business that accepts credit card for payment and NOT limited to just retailers. Penalties for non-compliance are severe. The path to compliance is complex. We can help. Contact us to learn more.
PCI Compliance Requirements
Build and Maintain a Secure Network
1: Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
2: Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters
Protect Cardholder Data
3: Protect stored cardholder data
4: Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks
Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
5: Use and regularly update anti-virus software
6: Develop and maintain secure systems and applications
Implement Strong Access Control Measures
7: Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know
8: Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access
9: Restrict physical access to cardholder data
Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
10: Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data
11: Regularly test security systems and processes
Maintain an Information Security Policy
12: Maintain a policy that addresses information security
