5 Tips for Evaluating Payment Data Security Technologies
October 18, 2012 | No Comments | Data Security
When it comes to evaluating payment data security technologies….are you following the 5 “S’s”?
scope, study, support, seek, secure…
If you’re not, how can you really know your data is protected and secure? Too often merchants go with the solution that is directly in front of them. They are focusing on their business, selling their products and services to their customers, and security and PCI simply get in the way. But one breach and suddenly, all of their hard work is gone.
A breach of merchant data not only hurts the consumer, but it harms the merchant as well. PCI will fine merchants in the case of a negligent breach and once the word gets out, consumers become weary of doing business with you – so the merchant’s brand reputation is impacted.
The process of evaluating all the different payment security technologies out there doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Follow these 5 simple steps…
- SCOPE – Examine your data flow and look at where data is stored
- STUDY – Educate yourself on security methods, technologies, and PCI compliance
- SUPPORT – Inventory current systems – your hardware, software, and processors – and understand how will integrate to the technology
- SEEK – Evaluate vendors and seek answers to key questions
- SECURE – Implement the right mix of methods and technologies to secure cardholder data
If you don’t know whether or not your data is protected and secure, give us a call.