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Merchants need to be sure they are taking all the necessary precautions to protect their customers' credit card information. Losing your customers' credit card information is a good way to lose your customers, as well.

PCI DSS, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, are meant to offer high trust levels for users of credit or payment cards, and apply to all companies that process, store or transmit card and related customer information. Merchants who fail to comply with PCI DDS could suffer consequences ranging from loss of the ability to process credit card transactions up to fines of as much as $500,000. Certain types of businesses may require an audit by a PCI DDS certified security auditor.

As for the basics of PCI DDS, information security policies are required to be written down. These policies should be clear to everyone, including employees, and should cover both PCI DDS requirements and the regulations of any states with which you do business.

Disconnect from the internet when business is closed to protect your company's network. An unattended network makes you vulnerable to hacking. Do not put your data onto a single server as all your data will be in danger of that server is compromised. Major steps in the direction of meeting current and future compliance regulations include getting an additional server for sensitive data, limiting who has access, encrypting data, and limiting connectivity to the Internet. Invest in encryption, so that you will not need to let clients know if you lose a laptop or are the victim of a breach.

Beware of the danger posed by employee. By limiting and knowing who has access to you system will help you meet the requirements of PCI DDS as well as allowing for regular monitoring to prevent data theft by employees. Since employee negligence results in the vast majority of all losses, train your employees to protect business assets.

Zed Miller is an expert from mortgage industry, who regularly contributes his articles in various websites just to help borrowers in getting the best loan package. The author currently serves topamericanmortgage.com and has tremendous grasp over mortgage industry. Visit http://www.merchantservicez.com/Guarding-Credit-Card-Information.htm to read more articles from this author

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