PCI DSS Compliance Articles

The interesting thing about the breach reported by Vancouver-based Information Systems & Supplies Inc. (see www.bankinfosecurity.com/pos-vendor-possible-restaurant-breach-a-7009) is that it highlights the responsibility now borne by 3rd party suppliers to PCI merchants. Remote access services such as LogMeIn or TeamViewer provide superb levels of functionality equivalent to a direct Remote Desktop session, and, naturally, are highly secure in their architecture and operation.

PCI DSS Version 3.0 - PCI DSS Version 3 will soon be with us. Such is the anticipation that the PCI Security Standards Council have released a sneak preview ‘Change Highlights’ document.

Simplest is still best - whether they are software-based (as in the so-called 'Dexter' or 'VSkimmer' Trojan - Google it for more information) or classic hardware interception devices, card skimming is still a highly effective means of stealing card data.

If you're thinking "That's hardly breaking news?" I would tend to agree. However, it is still providing plenty of copy even though the PCI DSS was introduced seven long years ago. At the time it was 'mandatory' and 'urgent' but the problem now is that, so many firms have avoided or delayed measures that overcoming the apathy often associated with PCI compliance is getting more difficult.

I was recently sent a whitepaper by a colleague of mine which covered the subject of tokenization. It took a belligerent tone regarding the PCI DSS and the PCI Security Councils views of Tokenization, which is understandable in context - the vendors involved with the whitepaper are fighting their corner and believe passionately that tokenization is a great solution to the problem of how best to protect cardholder data.