Avoid Disaster: Protect Against Credit Card Compromise

Data breaches are costing credit card companies and businesses billions of dollars every year.  Fines resulting from compromised data can range from $5,000 to more than $100,000.  Most D.C.s we talk to think they are immune to the effects of compromised data.  Unfortunately, this isn't the case.  In fact, small businesses like chiropractic practices can be prime targets for cyber criminals.

Posted in Credit Card Processing on Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Data breaches are costing credit card companies and businesses billions of dollars every year.  Fines resulting from compromised data can range from $5,000 to more than $100,000.  Most D.C.s we talk to think they are immune to the effects of compromised data.  Unfortunately, this isn't the case.  In fact, small businesses like chiropractic practices can be prime targets for cyber criminals.

According to the PCI (Payment Card Industry) Security Standards Council, a forum formed by the major card issuers to address increased credit card fraud and compromise, cyber criminals have turned their attention to small businesses because of their lax security.  In fact, over 80% of attacks now target small businesses and the fallout can be severe.    A recent article in the Buffalo Law Journal says that many small business owners risk their livelihoods and the repercussions of a data breach can be disastrous.

We encourage our D.C.s to take steps to minimize the potential for costly headaches and help protect their livelihood by making sure they are PCI compliant.  Be sure to process credit cards with a reputable source and when considering credit card processing companies, be sure to choose a processor who adheres to the stringent auditing requirements of PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards).  Your processor should be able to suggest providers who can help you meet PCI DSS compliance at a reasonable cost and assist you with locating those providers.

NCMIC is active in helping our customers maintain PCI compliance through its PCI Assurance Program.  For more information on NCMIC's Credit Card Processing Program.