PCI Data Security Standards

Customers and businesses using electronic forms of payment expect their cardholder data to be stored securely and privately. Visa's CISP (Cardholder Information Security Program) and MasterCard's SDP (Site Data Protection) programs are security initiatives that require merchants to safeguard card data. Visa and MasterCard, along with the other card brands, have adopted common industry security requirements referred to as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

As a leading provider of merchant services, Prolific Payment Solutions, in partnership with the Card Brands, data security firms, and national Issuing Banks, looks to educate its merchants on the basics of data security and the mandatory industry requirements around the protection of data throughout the payment transaction process.

The PCI DSS Are Summarized Below:

Build and Maintain a Secure Network
Requirement 1: Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data.
Requirement 2: Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.

Protect Cardholder Data
Requirement 3: Protect stored data.
Requirement 4: Encrypt transmission of cardholders' data sensitive information across public networks.

Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
Requirement 5: Use and regularly update anti-virus software.
Requirement 6: Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.

Implement Strong Access Control Measures
Requirement 7: Restrict access to data by business need-to-know.
Requirement 8: Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access.
Requirement 9: Restrict physical access to cardholder data.

Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
Requirement 10: Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.
Requirement 11: Regularly test security systems and processes.

Maintain an Information Security Policy
Requirement 12: Maintain a policy that addresses information security.

For More Detailed Information on PCI Compliance Please Visit www.pcisecuritystandards.org.