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PCI DSS and Using Credit Cards Online |
The overwhelming majority of companies tends to accept credit cards as a form of online payment. It is very convenient and most people belive they are safe when providing their credit card number to a reputable online business. Unfortunately, criminals also cherish the idea of getting their hands on such valuable information.
Security breaches, system weaknesses, database flaws erupted from nowhere and everyone realized how dangerous using credit card online might be\for a user's wallet.
As far as technical means are concerned, we can't but notice numerous measures taken by credit card companies to ensure greater security of online payments. PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) was introduced to provide safety for online shoppers. However, it is still not mandatory by law, though any business that uses PCI DSS is given incentives.
It is advisable for every online company to acquire the 'PCI compliant' status, as it might turn out quite useful in the end. As time goes by, online shoppers become more and more demanding and some day they might want to check if your online company meets their requirements.
As for us, safety surfers, it would be a good idea to check the PCI compliance of an online shop, even if the firm is respectable and well-established. One can't be too sure, and we know that better safe than sorry.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 19 April 2008 )
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