By: Tim Kinsella
This weekend, I’m off to New York with my team to attend the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show. As I am getting ready for the show, I wonder how much of the conversation on the show floor will be centered on payment security. I’ve been to many shows this year, and was not surprised about the level of conversation around tokenization, encryption and other solutions to secure the payment process. With the PCI guidance document regarding Point to Point Encryption coming out recently, I suspect I’ll find similar interest this week.
So, in light of the event and the conversations I suspect we’ll be having, I thought I’d take a few minutes to provide a list of the top 5 web resources for insights and information on payments and transaction security for hospitality and restaurant executives.
With hackers looking to steal customer credit card data from hotels, motels and restaurants, now is the time to arm yourself with the tools and information you need to protect your enterprises. These following resources can help you stay on top of the latest discussions and best practices:
1. Hospital Technology Group (HTNG) Newsletters: HTNG is a global trade association that fosters the development of next-generation solutions between hoteliers and technology providers, especially in the area of transaction security. HTNG offers two key newsletters: “HTNG Interface” and “Outreach.” Both newsletters provide deep content on technology, security solutions and trends for hoteliers. Check them both out here.
2. Payments Systems Network LinkedIn Group: With more than 21,000 members, this LinkedIn groups is an excellent destination to participate in industry discussions, and find out exactly what is going on in the payments industry. Be sure to join this group here.
3. Hotel Technology Resource: This one-stop-shop for all news and resources for hospitality technology, offers everything from tech trends to jobs to breaking industry news. Check it out here.
4. PCI Council Merchant Portal: Being PCI compliant is a challenge for many merchants, restaurateurs and hoteliers, so what better way to keep up-to-date than to go directly to the source. The PCI Council has a new merchant portal where you will find what you need to know about the PCI Security Standards. Check it out here.
5. PYMNTS.com: This online media channel captures user-generated and expert-driven commentary, information, news and analysis on “what’s next” in the payments sector – to give you a flavor of what’s happening in the payments industry. I’d recommend you create a profile and start sharing your opinions. Check it out here.
Any others that I’ve missed? Feel free to add a comment below. We hope everyone has a productive time at IHMRS in New York City next week!