The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) must be followed by all businesses, regardless of their size or volume, that accept credit card payments. Failure to comply could result in steep fines that could top £100k, a loss of customers, and the failure to process credit card payments.
Visa, American Express, Mastercard, and Discover are among the payment card companies that make up the PCI DSS certification Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), which created the regulations.
How can I obtain PCI DSS certification?
Spend some time going over your prior PCI DSS compliance, whether you are new to PCI or a seasoned veteran and Work on future PCI DSS initiatives and certification compliance such as :
Keep detailed records
In order for employees to understand what was accomplished, what still remains to be done, and where problems in your workplace persist, it is essential that you document your policies and activities. It also helps to keep your security efforts organised and sincere. Any changes you make to the protection of your business should be documented by your staff. Additionally, it is advisable to frequently (quarterly, if not on a regular basis) review the documentary evidence to make sure no errors have been made. If you document each step of your PCI DSS procedure, you’ll save time and be safer.
Select a PCI scope
Businesses must determine what is “in-scope,” or whether a specific person, technique, piece of equipment, or technology stores, procedures, or communicates payment card information. If they do, or if they connect to other devices, they must adhere to PCI DSS. Make a flowchart of the credit card information for each network that is within the scope. You can better understand the scope of your organisation by knowing where card data is gathered, stored, and sent.
segment the network
Network segmentation is a wise choice if you’re looking for the most straightforward method to reduce costs, effort, and time spent on becoming compliant. Network segmentation is the practise of separating data networks that store, work with, or transmit card information from those that don’t, either physically or digitally. For this, either a physical opening or a firewall can be used.
Spend money and time training employees
Develop a training program that is tailored to each employee’s job function. For instance, your front desk manager needs a different training regimen than your IT director. Train your staff frequently rather than annually. Everyone learns best through repetition, and you can help your staff remember the training by giving them frequent reminders.
Work with a security professional
Security experts and qualified security assessors are underutilized resources. You should always consult a security expert prior to any PCI DSS upgrade.
Remember that by obtaining PCI DSS Certification compliance, u are protecting more than just your business, you are also protecting your customers, employees, and brand. Your business may be more exposed the longer you wait.
Robert Eliot 