PCI Compliance refers to adherence to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. The primary purpose of PCI DSS is to reduce the risk of debit and credit card data loss and enhance payment card data security.

Regarding the authority that manages PCI compliance in Canada, PCI DSS is managed globally by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), an independent body created by major payment card brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. This council is responsible for the development, enhancement, storage, dissemination, and implementation of security standards for account data protection.

In Canada, the enforcement of PCI compliance is typically carried out by the payment brands and the acquirers (banks and financial institutions that process credit and debit card transactions). These entities ensure that merchants and service providers who handle credit card information comply with PCI DSS. Non-compliance can result in fines and penalties imposed by these payment brands and acquirers. Compliance requirements can vary depending on the volume of transactions a business processes.

The key aspects of PCI Compliance include:

Building and Maintaining a Secure Network: Installing and maintaining a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data, and not using vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.

Protecting Cardholder Data: Protecting stored cardholder data and encrypting transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.

Maintaining a Vulnerability Management Program: Using and regularly updating anti-virus software or programs, and developing and maintaining secure systems and applications.

Implementing Strong Access Control Measures: Restricting access to cardholder data by business need-to-know, assigning a unique ID to each person with computer access, and restricting physical access to cardholder data.

Regularly Monitoring and Testing Networks: Tracking and monitoring all access to network resources and cardholder data, and regularly testing security systems and processes.

Maintaining an Information Security Policy: Maintaining a policy that addresses information security for all personnel.

Resources

Business Grade PCI Compliant Hosting

Why would a business prefer a PCI Compliant Web Hosting Service over any bulk or standard hosting package?

A business would prefer a PCI compliant web hosting service in Canada over a bulk web hosting service for several reasons, especially if they handle credit card transactions:

Data Security: PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance ensures that the hosting service has robust security measures to protect sensitive credit card information. This is crucial for preventing data breaches and protecting customer information.

Compliance with Regulations: For any business that processes, stores, or transmits credit card data, PCI compliance is not just a best practice, but a requirement. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines and penalties.

Customer Trust: By using a PCI compliant host, a business demonstrates a commitment to security, which can enhance customer trust and confidence. This is particularly important for e-commerce businesses.

Risk Management: PCI compliance helps in risk management by enforcing regular security audits and updates. This proactive approach to security can prevent vulnerabilities and potential attacks.

Local Data Hosting: Hosting in Canada might be preferred due to data sovereignty concerns. Some businesses may choose to host their data domestically for legal reasons or to ensure faster access speeds for local customers.

Support and Expertise: PCI compliant hosts often provide specialized support and have expertise in handling sensitive financial data. This can be crucial for businesses that lack in-house expertise in these areas.

Avoidance of Liability Issues: In the event of a data breach, having used a PCI compliant service can help a business demonstrate due diligence, potentially reducing liability.

Market Reputation: Maintaining high security standards can positively impact a business’s reputation, distinguishing it from competitors who may use less secure, bulk web hosting services.

In summary, while bulk web hosting services might be more cost-effective, they may not offer the level of security and compliance needed for businesses handling sensitive financial data. Choosing a PCI compliant web hosting service in Canada reflects a commitment to data security, legal compliance, and customer trust.