Purpose

While the PCI SSC has no legal authority to compel compliance, it is a requirement for any business that processes credit or debit card transactions. PCI certification is also considered the best way to safeguard sensitive data and information, thereby helping businesses build long lasting and trusting relationships with their customers.

Benifit

Even though many merchants tend to think of compliance with these twelve requirements stated in PCI DSS as burdensome and expensive, they can bring about a number of benefits, from increased security, to a stronger brand reputation. We’ve compiled a list of the top benefits merchants can expect to see when they achieve PCI DSS compliance.

• Lowers risk - PCI compliance protects a business from breaches. According to a study conducted by Verizon, compliant businesses are 50% more likely to successfully endure an attempted breach.
• Increases customer confidence - customers are more likely to buy, especially on the iInternet, from businesses that invest in data security and are PCI compliant.

• Helps avoid additional costs - your business may be fined by the bank if a breach occurs, and you may need to replace credit cards or compensate customers. Fewer breaches mean less risk of fines. If your business experiences a breach, you will be promoted to PCI Level 1 and will be required to perform a full, costly certification.
• Aligns with industry standards - PCI DSS compliance ensures that businesses everywhere apply the same high security standards. By aligning with a standard, you ensure your information security is at a level acceptable throughout the industry.

Certification Roadmap

PCI certification ensures the security of card data at business through a set of requirements established by the PCI SSC. To acquire a PCI DSS certificate following steps should be taken:

• Determine your PCI level
• Understand the penalties for failing to meet these standards
• Complete a self-assessment questionnaire
• Build and maintain a secure network that protects cardholder information
• Fill out a formal attestation of compliance and file paperwork with credit card companies