If you are a credit card holder who shops online and you are unfamiliar with pci compliance companies, you should read on! Pci compliance companies, in its most basic form, are the reason that your data is safe when you choose to share it online. PCI standards require all businesses and online merchant services accepting credit card payments or processing credit cards to maintain a secure network, protect client data, implement strong access code features, regularly monitor and test networks, and maintain a security policy. Any online credit card processing companies not in compliance are subject to hefty fines.
So is online shopping safe? With so many companies using online credit card processing these days, it is important to protect yourself and your information, so that it does not fall into the hands of dishonest people. Online shopping is safe, if you take the proper precautions. Only use your credit card when shopping on trusted sites, or ones that are easily recognizable. Look for the lock in the right hand corner of your check out screen. This means your information is secure, and being encrypted. You can also look for an “s” after the “http” in the web address, also letting you know that you are on a secure connection.
If you are curious as to whether your favorite online store is safe or pci compliant, there is a comprehensive list of pci compliant businesses available online. Check this list before doing anything involving online credit card processing. All legitimate credit card processing companies will be included on this list. It is better to be safe than sorry.