Developers have long struggled with keeping testing information safe when working with protected information. While it is clear of the importance of keeping security such as surveillance or monitoring equipment functional, there are also scenarios where the actual data itself is the target.
Businesses dealing in protected consumer information need to be especially vigilant when setting up their networks. Here are some examples of industries where this is most poignant.
Consumer Credit Card Data
The protection of credit card data is a serious concern. That is why the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was created. Their goal is to combat risk associated when customers pay for a good or service by debit or credit card. All merchants and service provider that accepts card holder information are included. Also included are merchants who process, stores, or transmits cardholder data.
Major Credit Cards Included
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Discover
- JCB
Part of the effort to reduce credit card fraud and identity theft includes how this information may be transmitted and all electronic handlings. Meaning, your networking infrastructure, if you are one of these merchants is taken into consideration when being compliant.
Healthcare Information
The Protected Health Information Australian Privacy Act of 1998 helps keep patient information private. The act also affects research and other healthcare related activities.
For developers working off-site, or hospitals with more than one location a challenge can come up in keeping protected patient information private. Networking hardware must be carefully maintained and monitored to prevent security breaches.
One option for monitoring login attempts on a particular machine is using a device like the RS232 Data Logger.
The RS232 Data Logger can continuously record all users and keystrokes. This is valuable information should a breach from inside a merchants company occur, such as credit card information “skimming” or blatant employee theft.
Industrial message displays are another piece of hardware that can come in handy for those working with protected information. The boards can be programed to display alerts when a security event has happened.
Businesses may have every intention of keeping protected customer or patient information safe, but if they fail the consequences can be expensive. In 2006, Visa reported 4.6 million non-compliance fines. Both MasterCard and Visa may issue fines up to $25,000 per month should fraud occur and your company be found liable of not complying with the industry standard.
Does your business operate with protected information? We would like to be of service. Contact us for an evaluation and to further discuss your networking options so not only are your customers or patients protected but are also safeguarding your business. Click here to visit CesCom now.
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