Ensuring the Security of Online Payments for Your Business
Even though today’s online payment methods are quite secure, there is still always the remote possibility of a security breach. There are several steps that each online vendor can and should take in order to ensure the complete security of their customers’ information. Taking the time to think about security is a great idea for any company, because a breach can mean facing chargebacks from your merchant bank, fines, loss of reputation and other legal consequences.
PCI compliance
PCI stands for Payment Card Industry, and it refers to the regulations put forth by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council since 2006. PCI compliance has 12 security requirements, which apply to both small and large businesses. However, the requirements may be tailored to meet specific factors. For example, a small business might have different systems for account creation and data manipulation than a large business, and as such, it makes sense that the rules apply differently to each situation. For more information, you can visit the PCI website.
Encryption
Encryption technology ensures that all important personal data remains private. SSL is an example of an encryption standard used by companies that handle sensitive information, and it is used to ensure that data is transferred safely between the user and the vendor’s website. SSL encrypts passwords, email addresses, CC info, and basically any data input between the two end points. It creates an extra layer of security for customers, ensuring that data cannot be viewed by malicious parties while it is being transferred.
Login screen security
The login screen can be a weak link in a secure system, and as such it is critically important that it is airtight. Hackers will often use the login screen to access sensitive information, either through brute strength attacks (these are programs that use random letter combinations to gain access to a system), or other methods. Security measures at this stage can include multiple-step authentication, Captcha, and other methods which require human input and which cannot be performed by a software program.
Up-to-date operating systems
All the operating systems within your network should be up to date, starting from the server OS to the Windows on your desktop PC. Hackers are constantly looking for exploits within an operating system in order to gain access to a network and the information found within it. Fortunately, keeping these systems up to date is very easy. Most OS have automatic update settings, and all you have to do is activate them.
Private security assessment
If you want to go the extra mile, and have a place in your budget for a security evaluation by a private company, you can make sure that your security is handled professionally. This type of assessment looks deep within your infrastructure in order to ensure that your system is as hacker proof as possible. This is the best option if you are looking for maximum security.
For more information about secure payment methods for your online business, or to open a merchant account, please call (888) 924-2743 or go to Charge.com.