COSTA MESA, Calif. -- More than 90% of respondents to a retailer survey believe that PCI compliance is very important to their businesses, said MegaPath Inc., a provider of managed IP data, voice and security services; however, only one-third of the more than 100 retailers surveyed said they have implemented strong compliance and credit-card protection practices. In addition, more than 85% view PCI investments as benefiting to the overall business.
Respondents revealed that managing security and implementing technology updates are two of the biggest challenges they face with maintaining [image-nocss] PCI compliance. Some 93% of those surveyed believe that the corporate franchisors should take a more active role in helping their franchisees attain and maintain PCI compliance.
And 50% of respondents said a firewall is the most important security technology for ensuring PCI compliance. This was followed by virtual private networks (VPN) and anti-virus. These results show that retailers recognize the importance of the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard, which states that retailers are required to install and maintain a firewall to protect cardholder data, use and regularly update anti-virus software and encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.
"While retailers understand the significance of being PCI compliant, it is clear that many are still working to achieve the optimal level of security to protect their customer information," said James Cragg, president and COO of MegaPath.
"Investing in PCI compliance is more than just meeting a standard, it's about supporting the business," said Alan Stukalsky, CIO for Churches Chicken. "We've found that the investments we've made have paid off with improved operations and productivity."
MegaPath conducted this survey at a recent retail industry conference. The survey results are intended to provide insight into how the retail industry views PCI compliance, the technologies they are using to become compliant, if their efforts are benefiting the business and identify the current compliance challenges retailers face.
Costa Mesa, Calif.-based MegaPath leverages its selection of broadband connectivity, VPN, Voice over IP (VoIP) and security technologies.
MegaPath's Greg Davis will address maximizing broadband technology without compromising security during a CSPNetwork CyberConference on Thursday, April 17.Click here for more information.
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