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Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology.
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Most Small Merchants Store Unencrypted Card Data <Tweet this article>
by Ed McKinley
The vast majority of small merchants are still storing unencrypted card data and most don’t even know it, according to statistics compiled by a security vendor.
To make matters worse, the stats improved only minutely over last year, according to SecurityMetrics Inc., the Orem, Utah-based security company……… Click here to read more
Organizations Fail to Realize the Implications of a Data Breach <Tweet this article>
by Help Net Security
New research by the Ponemon Institute revealed that 54 percent of respondents have experienced at least one data breach in the last year, with nearly a fifth (19 percent) experiencing more than four.
Perhaps more worryingly, those that have so far avoided a data breach demonstrated a real lack of awareness of the financial and long-term damage that a breach can have on a company……………. Click here to read more
MasterCard Launches Credit Card With Built-in LCD, Keyboard <Tweet this article>
by Adario Strange
Facing ever-mounting pressure from the likes of Square, Paypal, Google Wallet, and others, traditional credit card companies like Visa and MasterCard are facing technology-driven challenges unlike any they’ve seen before. And while the Internet appears to be the primary disruptive element powering those new challenges, MasterCard has decided that its strategy for competing with payment service upstarts lies in creating an innovative new card that is fully interactive…….……. Click here to read more
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Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology.
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Planned Cyberattacks on US Banks on Hold <Tweet this article>
by Michael Mimoso
Upwards of 30 major U.S. banks and financial institutions have been given a reprieve. The hacker behind a coordinated attack against giants such as Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, PNC, Wells Fargo and nearly two dozen other banks has called off the operation after media reports surfaced a month ago exposing the planned attacks…….. Click here to read more
Discover outlines next steps for EMV <Tweet this article>
by ATM Marketplace
Discover has released a comprehensive EMV roadmap for Discover Network, Diners Club International, PULSE and Discover Card. As announced, the roadmap does not include EMV deadlines for ATMs. To date, MasterCard is the only card brand to have done so…….……. Click here to read more
Tis’ the Season: Businesses Seek Different Avenues for the Holidays <Tweet this article>
by Brandon Koch
It’s about that time of year when everyone bellows out the words: “Christmas music already?”
OK, maybe not. Nevertheless, it’s still annoying (both Christmas music and the sheer fact that it starts playing at the same time every year). But the holiday season is well underway, with Thanksgiving a mere week away—meaning retailers both large and small have put the finishing touches on their preparations for Black Friday (the unofficial start of the frenzied shopping season, although some retailers will open doors on Thanksgiving)…….……. Click here to read more
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Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology.
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Ten Ways To Secure Web Data Under PCI <Tweet this article>
by Robert Lemos
Whether they’re brick-and-mortar or online, merchants find the Payment Card Industry’s requirements for protecting credit card data challenging and confusing.
But all retailers must understand how to protect the credit card and other customer data that comes from online transactions, because their businesses are in cybercriminals’ crosshairs……. Click here to read more
Gartner VP interview: Mobile and social top challenges for CIOs <Tweet this article>
by Roberta Prescott
Mobile and social technologies represent a departure from the information technologies that CIOs are used to, such as ERP and CRM. This change is one of the three fundamental questions IT leaders and CIOs are facing, according to Mark McDonald, Gartner group vice president and head of research in Gartner Executive Programs…………. Click here to read more
EMV Migration Gets Answer People <Tweet this article>
by John Adams
Other groups, such as the Smart Card Alliance, are also expanding EMV migration information sharing. The alliance, whose members include card manufacturers, payment processors and financial institutions, operates the EMV Migration Forum, an independent, cross-industry body to discuss issues that require cooperation and coordination across constituents in the payments space…………. Click here to read more
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Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology.
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The Cost of Cyber Crimes Gets More Expensive <Tweet this article>
by Sue Marquette Poremba
If you need a reason to throw more of an effort into cybersecurity, here it is: The cost of cyber crime has gotten more expensive.
According to a new study sponsored by HP and conducted by the Ponemon Institute, the occurrence of cyber attacks has more than doubled over a three-year period, while the financial impact has increased by nearly 40 percent……. Click here to read more
Facebook Want Button: Collecting massive amounts of data about you has never been easier <Tweet this article>
by Network World
Have you ever commented “Want!” anywhere on the web? Perhaps because “liking” is not enough for Facebook, and shares in its stock are still down, the company is pushing ahead with a ‘Collections’ feature. Collecting massive amounts of desired-based data about users would be like hitting the mother lode for advertisers…..……. Click here to read more
My Walletless Month: Happier, Healthier and Ready to Ditch Cash Forever <Tweet this article>
by Christina Bonnington
The e-wallet space is blowing up. Isis — an NFC-based mobile-payment platform backed by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — is set to launch on Monday. Google Wallet, now almost two years old, is nicely maturing with partnerships with an ever-expanding list of big-name retailers…..……. Click here to read more
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Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology.
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Hotel Leaders Discuss Key Issues – and beyond <Tweet this article>
by Jeff Higley
Using a rapid-fire approach, moderator Don Landry covered plenty of ground during Wednesday’s opening general session at the 18th annual Lodging Conference.
Along the way, Landry, owner Top Ten Hospitality Advisors, poked and prodded panelists into addressing key issues ranging from the future of full-service, suburban hotels to merger-and-acquisition activity in the industry to the so-called “electile dysfunction” buzzword that’s sweeping the country……Click here to read more
What Security Benefits Does Contactless Technology Offer? <Tweet this article>
by Blogger News
Contactless technology offers many benefits, including faster and easier transactions, versatility to be incorporated into various personal devices including mobile phones, and improved data security over the magnetic stripe technology.
According to the Smart Card Alliance, “Contactless smart card technology includes strong security features optimized for applications involving payment and identities…..……. Click here to read more
Restaurant VARs: 3 Ways To Inject New Life Into Your Business <Tweet this article>
by Mike Monocello
I’m going to give you a sneak preview of a feature article in next month’s issue of Business Solutions because the VAR we highlight is doing some great stuff that’s really impacting his business. The VAR is Andrew Strickler and his company is Tampa Bay POS. We featured Andrew in our magazine back in 2007. At the time, his company was four years old and business in the hospitality space was absolutely booming….……. Click here to read more
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Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology.
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Researchers: Chip and PIN Enables ‘Chip and Skim’ <Tweet this article>
by KrebsonSecurity
Researchers in the United Kingdom say they’ve discovered mounting evidence that thieves have been quietly exploiting design flaws in a security system widely used in Europe to prevent credit and debit card fraud at cash machines and point-of-sale devices
At issue is an anti-fraud system called EMV (short for Europay, MasterCard and Visa), more commonly known as “chip-and-PIN.”……….Click here to read more
Bricks to Benefit from Clicks as Multichannel Rises <Tweet this article>
by Campbell Phillips
Multichannel retailing is set to complement, rather than compete, with bricks-and-mortar over the next two years, according to a new study from CBRE.
Investing in new or currently existing stores is a major priority for international retailers, with many indicating a requirement for more physical outlets and increased shop space as a result of their multichannel strategies………. Click here to read more
61 percent of IT security professionals fear Anonymous, hacktivist attacks <Tweet this article>
by Suzanne Choney
Nearly two-thirds of IT security professionals worldwide believe their companies will be the target of a cyber attack in the next six months, and 61 percent say that Anonymous and other hacktivist groups will be most likely the ones to target their organizations.
Cyber criminals, then “nation states,” including China and Russia, are considered next on the list of likely attackers by 55 and 48 percent, respectively, according to the survey done by security firm Bit9………. Click here to read more
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Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology.
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Brain Hacking: Scientists Extract Personal Secrets With Commercial Hardware <Tweet this article>
by Gregory Ferenstein
Chalk this up to super-creepy: scientists have discovered a way to mind-read personal secrets, such as bank PIN numbers and personal associations, using a cheap headset. Utilizing commercial brain-wave reading devices, often used for hands-free gaming, the researchers discovered that they could identify when subjects recognized familiar objects, faces, or locations, which helped them better guess sensitive information..…….Click here to read more
PCI SSC’s Bob Russo on point-to-point encryption, PCI compliance <Tweet this video>
by SeachSecurity
In this video interview, Bob Russo, general manager of the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), discusses tokenization, point-to-point encryption, PCI compliance issues, and the state of guidance documentation for emerging technologies. According to Russo, the PCI SSC is currently assessing hardware-based point-to-point encryption products and plans to produce a list of approved PIN transaction security (PTS) devices by the end of 2012..……. Click here to watch video
Mind the Gap: PIN versus Signature Authentication <Tweet this article>
by Douglas A. King
The just-released PULSE Debit Issuer Study reveals that in 2011 the gap in loss rates between signature and PIN debit transactions has widened further. Issuers lost an average of three cents per signature debit transaction compared to less than one-half of one cent on PIN transactions..……. Click here to read more
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It’s always great to connect with our customers, and even more rewarding when we’re able to partner together to support an important cause. This week, in partnership with Carlson restaurants, we sponsored Have a Heart Fund’s annual Golf Classic to support T.G.I. Friday’s® team members who have experienced unforeseen tragedies such as a fire, tornado, life-threatening illness or serious accident. As Hurricane Isaac pounds the Gulf Coast, we’re all reminded once again how important it is to reach out and lend a helping hand when disaster strikes.
Despite recently spending $150 on golf lessons, my game was nothing but a series of shanks, hooks and duffs. On the positive side though, more than $100,000 was raised this year, along with an additional $25-$30,000 at the live auction!
Whether my golf game was on par or not, we had a fun time playing golf with the MICROS folks.
(L to R: Sal Marin, MICROS Account Exec.; Troy Mechura, Director of Business Development; Jeff Pinc, VP of Sales for Major Accounts at MICROS)
After golf, everyone gathered for a silent auction and dinner where personal stories were shared about people who have benefited from the charity. Have a Heart has raised more than $4 million over the past six years.
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Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology.
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CISOs Need To CYA – ‘Comprehend Your Assets’ <Tweet this article>
by Andrew Rose
I recently went for coffee with a very interesting gentleman who had previously been responsible for threat and vulnerability management in a global bank – our conversation roamed far and wide but kept on circling back to one or two core messages – the real fundamental principles of information security. One of these principles was “know your assets.”
Asset management is something that many CISO tend to skip over, often in the belief that information assets are managed by the business owners and hardware assets are closely managed by IT. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced that either of these beliefs is true to any great extent.…….Click here to read more
PayPal/Discover’s Retailer Problem:Too Much Data? <Tweet this article>
by Evan Schuman
When PayPal on Wednesday (Aug. 22) announced a deal with Discover for it to deliver far more in-store payments—something that PayPal said could eventually place it into millions of stores and requires no POS hardware or software changes—it did something beyond fulfilling the industry’s RDA for caveats.……. Click here to read more
Zone Alarm Infographic: Top 20 Passwords Of All Time <Tweet this article>
by Column Five
In a recent survey conducted by ZoneAlarm, 79% of consumers were found to use risky password construction practices, such as using personal information and common words. In this infographic for ZoneAlarm, we uncover the 20 most popular passwords of all time.……. Click here to read more
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Welcome to the Bi-Weekly Best of the Web – a great way to catch up on recent commentary and compelling content from across the Web. Every other Friday, we’ll post insightful news articles, noteworthy blog posts and more related to the world of payments, payment data security and technology.
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Why Credit Card Fraud Grows
Missing the Mark on Secure Card Tech Will Haunt Any Issuer <Tweet this article>
by Tracy Kitten
Payments card fraud is a growing concern for U.S. card issuers, yet few have taken dramatic steps to fight it. Last week’s announcement that major card brands and domestic issuers are joining forces to create an EMV Migration Forum reflects at least some interest in enhancing payment-card security…….Click here to read more
Starbucks/Square partnership: what does it mean? <Tweet this article>
by Javelin Strategy & Research
The Starbucks/Square partnership certainly is among the major recent announcements related to in-store mobile payments, and has the potential to significantly help jump start adoption. While I don’t agree with some of the more euphoric comments that this one move is the singular event that ushers in mobile payments, it is a big deal……. Click here to read more
RetailNOW: The High Cost of POS Security Failures <Tweet this article>
by Vertical Systems Reseller
Solution providers were given a wake up call about the perils of point-of-sale security breaches, on Monday, at RSPA’s RetailNOW convention. Secret Services Agent Jason Berryhill, a POS fraud specialist, addressed the packed audience and dropped some very serious statistics……. Click here to read more
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