subject: Pci Compliance - Best Practices Of Being An E Commerce Merchant [print this page] Are you running an online business with your customers information safe? If no then you must follow the best practices of being an e-Commerce merchant.Being an e-Commerce merchant clearly states that you are involved online transactions basically payment through credit cards on your website. The base requirements for any web-based merchant is detailed below-
PCI Compliance
As per PCI Security Standard Council web-based merchants must protect their customers credit card information. They must work on their payment system and have to get their system PCI Compliance
They must have personnel knowing about PCI compliance systems. Also required is usage of tools and adequate materials meant for educational purpose for getting trained on PCI Compliance systems provided by Credit Card Networks of Master Cards & Visa.
It is to be ensured that all vendors engaged in business must agree on the term of having business with PCI compliance as a condition.
Card Security Verification Codes
These are verification codes printed on credit cards and debit cards, could be of 3 digit numbers for Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards and 4 digit numbers for American Express cards. These are used as additional tools provided by credit card companies to ensure that the user physically has it. These codes are not meant to be exposed on the websites neither to be stored by any web-based merchant failing which could cause heavy fines.
Problems in Data Security
In case the merchant lacks in providing enough data security then he compromises with the terms of merchant services agreement and PCI compliance with the payment processing providers, which could definitely keep the merchant at stake levying high penalties or losing business. Even liability towards his customers could also be an issue of consideration. Once the faith is lost then retrieving the same will be the most difficult part.
Therefore having a PCI Compliance system is highly appreciated not only by customers but also by web-based merchants for having a fruitful business with safe, secured and satisfactory delivery.
