In a recent study put out by Imperva and Ponemon Institute, the 2011 PCI DSS Compliance Trends Study, over 64 percent of PCI DSS complaint organizations reported suffering no data breaches involving credit cards, compared to 38 percent of non-compliant organizations during the same timeframe.
As a business that accepts credit cards, this should be one more reason to understand and follow the rules and regulations regarding PCI compliance.
PCI DSS, or Payment Card Industry’s Data Security Standard, establishes the ground rules for businesses to keep consumers information safe as they complete transactions. When you comply with PCI DSS, it means your systems are secure, and your customers can trust you with their payment card information. That trust equates into consumer confidence, repeat customers, and ultimately more recommendations. If you don’t know much about pci compliance, it could be worth doing a quick google search and doing some research into it, as this could be useful for your business.
Today more than ever, consumers are conscious about identity theft, and protecting their most valued information. One breach can be disastrous for a business, especially for a small business if it gets into the news and circulates across your community. When sales are down do to economic conditions, the last thing you need is bad press for something that is easily remedied.
Compliance is not a one-time event. Instead, it is an ongoing set of policies that can help you overcome new threats within the system, and update your procedures along the way. When you stay compliant, you are telling your community that you are united with other compliant members, and will do what is necessary to fight payment card data compromise.
When you are compliant, you are part of the solution.
When you are not compliant, it can quickly lead to disaster.
- Account breaches leading to loss of sales, loss of profits and a damaged reputation
- Lawsuits
- Cancelled accounts
- Fines
- Loss of business
If your business is thriving, take the time to manage all areas of your business, including PCI compliance.