Data protection when processing payments, especially when using online payment methods, has become an acute issue in recent years when electronic payments have rapidly gained momentum. To prevent fraud associated with card data theft, the largest card networks have teamed up, formed the PCI SSC, and developed the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard known as PCI DSS. It's a set of security measures that provide the complete protection of card details and other sensitive data engaged in financial transactions. PCI DSS applies to any organisation that somehow deals with accepting, processing, transmitting, and storage of cardholders’ sensitive credit card data. The institutions that are obliged to validate compliance include banks, payment applications, merchants, payment service providers, payment processors, and other organisations involved in processing electronic payments.
Development and improvement of secure network infrastructure
Protection of cardholder data with encryption and other security methods
Monitoring the process of updating system components and anti-virus software
Control and differentiation of access to information resources
Regular testing and monitoring of system security
Information security policy
As we see, PCI standard requirements cover the security of information infrastructure at all levels. If a business has anything to do with the processing, transmission or storage of customer card data, the information security must be constantly maintained by both internal specialists and partner organisations. The combination of processes, people, and technologies that you use to support your compliance is called the PCI Scope. The accurate scoping will help you determine the necessary coverage for your PCI DSS assessment.
It’s not uncommon for convenient one-click online payments on e-commerce sites to backfire on cardholders. With the explosive growth in online shopping, there has been a significant increase in card data leaks and fraud. Since a payment gateway is indispensable for processing online payments, integration of a gateway without PCI DSS compliance can entail many risks associated with possible breaches of sensitive data of their customers to third parties and using this data for fraudulent purposes. That’s why compliance with this set of security standards should be your top priority. Ignoring even one PCI DSS requirement puts your security and reputation at risk.
A PCI DSS standard is universally applicable to payment service providers, internet acquiring companies, and payment systems. The same goes for payment gateways which are directly responsible for protecting transactions details from the moment they are entered on the payment page and until the end of processing. Therefore, every merchant who values their reputation will ensure the maximum security of their customers' confidential card data and choose a payment gateway provider that has validated compliance with PCI DSS.
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The PCI SSC puts forward rather rigorous requirements for the security of any companies that transmit, process or store card data. Moreover, even if an organisation has already passed certification, an annual compliance check is still carried out. Such audits help determine if the business is complying with the security requirements in good faith or has received PCI DSS certification just for show. Companies that don't comply with PCI DSS will have to pay a substantial sum of money as a fine.
Level 1: more than 6 million transactions annually
Level 2: from 1 million to 6 million transactions per year
Level 3: from 20 thousand to 1 million transactions per year
Level 4: up to 20 thousand transactions annually
It’s noteworthy that only an independent auditor — Qualified Security Assessors (QSA) carry out the PCI level 1 compliance validation. The certification procedure for this PCI compliance level includes an extensive audit of the company's information infrastructure, the development of recommendations and regulatory documents necessary to comply with the standard, as well as consulting support during implementation. To confirm their compliance with other PCI levels, a business will need to fill out the SAQ self-assessment sheet or perform an internal ISA audit.
The PCI SSC obliges all institutions involved in payment processing to meet PCI DSS requirements. Without it, the organisation cannot be considered reliable, and you cannot trust it with your personal data. A payment gateway can be compared to a regular POS terminal in brick and mortar store. Its main task is to ensure the complete security of card transactions with encryption, tokenisation and other security measures. To keep all data safe, e-commerce businesses engage PCI compliant gateways in transaction processing. Thus, the integration of a PCI compliant payment gateway is a must for merchants who aim to deliver quality services and protect their customers from payment fraud.
Security is the number-one pillar for building trust in the payment ecosystem. Corefy meets the strictest requirements of the highest PCI DSS level. Our team closely monitor each transaction to protect businesses and their customers from possible identity theft and credit card fraud. By entrusting the processing of your transactions to Corefy, you eliminate the need to pursue PCI compliance because you already have a fully protected payment processing system at your disposal. Create the best customer experience by ensuring the highest data protection for your customers' data.
