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Key essentials for securing card information
Customers are looking for quicker, secure payment transactions in today's world. The onus is on merchants to facilitate the same. While choosing the best payment processor helps, storing and retrieving customer card details while initiating the transaction can make the payment a lot quicker. In addition, it reduces the burden on the customer to enter their card details every time they pay.
For businesses who bill their customers on a recurring basis, storing data helps streamline the payment process, minimizing the friction for returning customers. Simultaneously, it helps the merchant stay assured about the risk profile of the customers.
Key essentials for securing card information
Customer expectation for secure data storage
Security: Secured card data storage and protection against unauthorized use.
Privacy: No sharing of card details or transaction details with third-party vendors without consent.
Transparency: Clear communication about storage and security measures.
Control: Ability to add, update, or delete card details at the customer's convenience.
Support: Consistent 24/7 support to solve issues or ease their fears about the storage or use of their card details
Best practices for businesses to store card data
Here are some essential best practices that businesses need to keep in mind while storing data.
Adherence to PCI DSS standards
PCI DSS was founded by leading card networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express to reduce the risk of data breaches and make transactions more secure. It lists the specific requirements for encryption, access control, and security assessments as follows:
Building and maintaining a secure network
Protecting cardholder data
Maintaining a vulnerability management program
Implementing strong access control measures
Regularly monitoring and testing networks
Maintaining an information security policy
Strict adherence to these standards is a basic essential for businesses to store card information.
Data encryption
Use of strong encryption methods such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for customer data is essential.
Tokenization of card details
To reduce the risk of exposing card details, it is essential to tokenize sensitive card data with a unique identifier called a token. It cannot be used outside the specific transaction.
Minimal data storage
Storing only essential data required for business operations is one of the best practices to follow. Sensitive data such as a customer's CVV or PIN should not be stored after the transaction.
Restricting card info access
Multi-factor authentication and strong password policies help restrict access to customers' card details. Employees should be provided access only when needed. Simultaneously, customers should be empowered to edit, add, and remove card details from the system in a hassle-free manner.
Incident response team
A standby incident response team equipped with necessary risk management collaterals is necessary to address potential data breaches.
Communication
Frequent communication with customers in the event of breaches or issues with potential resolution times is mandatory to gain customers' trust.
Conclusion
The controls required by PCI DSS are extensive. To alleviate the burden, many businesses rely on payment gateways like Zoho Payments, Stripe, and PayPal to store card information. These payment processors are PCI DSS compliant and offer a cost-effective solution, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. By utilizing these established providers, businesses can focus more on their core operations.