While at first PCI compliance can seem a daunting set of hoops to jump through, the security and ease-of-practice benefits heavily outweigh the learning curves.
One can easily achieve PCI compliance through well-trodden paths for ACH, debit, and credit card payment options, and with the help of a Stamford IT support company.
Every merchant can benefit by implementing:
- Proper forms and technology – written or verbal
- PCI DSS and NACHA requirements and guidelines
- Self-regulation and PCI compliance check listing
Although this is not an exhaustive list of all the ways a business on the East Coast can aim for impermeable PCI compliance, these steps are the first ones you can take to solidify security measures.
Getting Up to Speed
A lot of corporations are lithe enough and tech-savvy in just enough areas to keep card numbers on file manually. While I can pull this incredible display of organization skill off, it isn’t wise to gain momentum with even a skillful method when doing so is likely to snowball into a big problem down the line. Further, the longer a company chooses to store this sensitive information manually, the more difficult it will be to untangle these issues down the line.
Fortunately, getting your system updated is a process that PCI compliance experts are more than willing to assist with. The software meant to capture and secure card data also often includes proper forms and precise methods for data storage – mitigating risks that may arise down the line.
Proper paperwork and storage methods are the front lines of PCI compliance. They are the part of the system that is hands-down the most hands-on from the exterior of your Texas-based company. For that reason, many third-party IT consultants choose to tackle this area of your methodology first.
Who Needs to Comply with PCI?
Mitigating risk isn’t just company self-care and IT excellence – it’s a requirement! PCI DSS requirements vary by card information storage size, but any company with collected information is subject to some form of compliance measure. Similarly, ACH payments are regulated by NACHA.
These rules and regulations apply to every business, and finding a third-party vendor that is aware of these regulations and will continuously monitor practices is the safest route an executive can take.
What Steps Can You Take to Become PCI Compliant?
For corporate executives who have the time and drive to plug all the compliance and risk leaks that may cause scandal down the road, self-help assessments can be done with the proper tools.
PCI compliance for businesses can be done on the micro-level by stringent fact-checking via the official PCI DSS guidelines and tools. The entire checklist is provided by the regulatory office itself.
While much can be done on your own, solidifying your company’s compliance readiness will require up-to-date software and methods. Fortunately, companies that have the proper tools can very easily self-regulate.
For those who would like to take full control of their company’s PCI compliance, consulting with a field expert provides endless benefits!