Credit Card Security 101
Did you know that it's statistically safer to use a credit card on the internet than at a restaurant or bar?
Nine out of 10 thefts of cardholder data were aimed at small merchants – 52% of them in foodservice, according to a recent study. And more than twice as many attacks targeted card-present transactions at the point of sale than online transactions.
That's why the payment card industry has established standards to help you safeguard cardholder data – and protect your business.
One of the critical requirements is a point of sale system that is validated compliant with Payment Application Best Practices (or the new payment industry standard for software developers, PA-DSS).
If you're in the market for a point of sale system, you need to be aware of these key requirements and deadlines:
- As of January 2007: All restaurants that store, process, or transmit credit card data are required to submit a PCI Self-Assessment.
- As of October 1, 2008: Banks and payment processors may no longer board new restaurateurs whose point of sale/credit card products do not comply with payment processing standards (PABP or PA-DSS).
- As of July 1, 2010, PCI standards mandate the use of only PA-DSS/PABP validated POS and payment applications.
If your POS system is not compliant, your credit card processor may refuse you the right to accept credit cards.
Learn More
Credit Card Security and PCI Compliance – Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the risks:
Important security and PCI information:
Go to the source: