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PCI Data Security

What is it and why do you need to know

The Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard was created by major credit card companies to safeguard consumer information. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and other credit card associations mandate that merchants and service providers who accept credit cards meet certain minimum standards of security when they store, process and transmit cardholder data.

PCI compliance for restaurant operators depends mainly on three components:

•     Software Version
•     Infrastructure and security of the network
•     Settings within the software

Restaurant Owners are Responsible for Customer Credit Card Data

Many restaurant owners and managers do not know that PCI data security compliancy is their responsibility.  They properly set up their business with all the licensing, inspections, and business systems required for businesses in their area.  Often, nobody informs them that, if they are going to process customer credit card information, they are responsible for the security of that data.

Secure all Data Access

 

• Upgrade your POS software to a PA-DSS (Payment Application Data Security Standard) validated version.

• Ensure that you are running a version of Windows that is currently supported by Microsoft on all of your POS hardware and that you update the Operating System anytime Microsoft releases a patch.

• Create and maintain unique Windows logon usernames for each person that must access the Aloha Back Office PC.

• Be sure that you have installed a commercial grade firewall, that it has been properly configured to restrict inbound and outbound traffic, and that it is maintained and updated. This includes wireless internet access too!

• Use and regularly update anti-virus software. Lock your office doors and your computers.  Remember, it is never a good idea to use your POS computers for email or going online.

POS Data Security and PCI Compliancy needs to be a big concern for merchants. It is crucial that you are using technology that protects your customers and ultimately protects you.  Aloha, as a POS industry leader, has developed validated data security software that works seamlessly with all of their point of sale technology.

 

The team at CRS of El Paso has been in business 30 years and has the experience to recommend the best POS system for your business. Criminals target the small business community to steal credit card data. Data security is a major concern for the entire hospitality industry. Examination of the network security across customer communities has revealed that these threats and risks are very real and indicate that criminals can often easily get into system networks and steal customers’ credit card data.

 

Links To Important Security Information

Payment Card Industry Security Standards

Ten Common Myths of PCI-DSS

Getting Started With PCI-DSS

PCI Glossary Of Terms

PCI News And Events

Link To Visa Cardholder Information Security Web Site

Get Visa List of PABP Validated Payment Applications

Credit card associations mandate that merchants and service providers who accept credit cards meet certain minimum standards of security when they store, process and transmit cardholder data.