Why Is PCI Compliance Important to Consumers?

PCI Compliance is critical in terms of protecting consumers from identity theft. The Identity Theft Resource Center, a non-profit organization in located in San Diego, is committed to helping victims of identity theft and protect others from the crime. Linda Foley, Executive Director of the organization, reports that according to 2 studies done in July 2003 (Gartner Research and Harris Interactive), approximately 7 million people became victims of identity theft in the prior 12 months. That equals 19,178 per day, 799 per hour, 13.3 per minute.

Today, the number of identity theft victims is much larger - it has increased to more than 10 million people per year.

However, what's even more shocking is that in 2005 at least 152 data disclosure incidents have been disclosed, potentially affecting more than 57.7 million individuals

The incidence of victimization increased 11-20% between 2001-2002 and 80% between 2002 -2003 (Harris Interactive). This same study found that 91% of respondents do not see an "end to the tunnel" and expect a heavy increase in victimization. 49% also stated that they do not feel they know how to adequately protect themselves from this crime.

Victims now spend an average of 600 hours recovering from this crime, often over a period of years. Three years ago the average was 175 hours of time, representing an increase of about 2470%.

These statistics are staggering, but PCI Compliance helps prevent this heinous crime, which not only has millions of victims, but costs businesses and consumers millions of dollars per year.

Consumers need to be wary of ordering anything from a site that does not have the proper security measures and from any business that is not PCI compliant in its gathering of sensitive credit card and personal information.

PCI DSS: A Five Step Guide for Gaining PCI Compliance Step 1: An Introduction to PCI Compliance PCI Compliance Introduction Who Put the DSS in PCI? Step 2: Finding The PCI DSS Merchant, Service and Compliance Level Should Your Organization be Concerned about PCI Compliance? PCI DSS: The Visa CISP Program MasterCard SDA Program Defining Merchant Validation Levels Level 4 Merchant Compliance Visa PCI CAP Program Defining Service Provider Validation Levels Acquirer Responsibility Calculating Merchant Transactions PCI DSS: Visa and MasterCard Quick Reference Guide Step 3: Attaining PCI DSS Compliance-Merchant Security Audits: 12 Requirements Build and Maintain a Secure Network Protect Cardholder Data Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program Implement Strong Access Control Measures Regularly Monitor and Test Networks Step 4: Finding a PCI DSS Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) Do You Need an ASV? Merchant and Service Provider Scanning Requirements Compliance Reporting Visa and Compliance Reporting MasterCard and Compliance Reporting Step 5: Completing the PCI DSS Self Questionnaire Completing the PCI DSS Self Questionnaire PCI Compliance Polls Are you currently PCI Compliant? Yes No Currently working towards compliance Why are you looking at PCI Compliance Required By Credit Card Processor Required By Bank Want to meet industry standards Looking to secure network What merchant level do you fall under for PCI Compliance? Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 I have no idea View PCI Merchant Level Results View All PCI Compliance Poll Results Sponsored Listing: