Explaining PCI Compliant Website Security Scans

Best business practices, especially when it comes to online safety and security, is something all business owners should consider – regardless of the size of their companies or the amount (if any) of online sales.

With an average of 5,000 new vulnerabilities discovered each year, regular or continuous vulnerability scanning is an essential security best practice.Recent studies show that over 70% of security threats are directed at web applications due to the quantity and value of the information they contain, a problem that's particularly acute for online merchants.

PCI stands for the Payment Card Industry. The main credit card companies all got together and organized a Security Standards Council which in turn created a data security standard. They require that all online merchants be compliant with their standards. PCI compliant security scans check to determine whether or not these web applications spoken of earlier have vulnerabilities. It checks for other possible places where clients or websites could be compromised by a virus or hacker.

Trusted website security companies like Trust Guard provide a report after scanning the server or website. The report gives business owners and/or their IT support staff the information they need to repair the vulnerabilities, if any. When businesses scan their site daily, there is a significantly lower chance that hackers or viruses will infiltrate their website and servers.

Every business that accepts and stores credit card data must demonstrate compliance with PCI DSS, but the complexities of securing business networks present considerable challenges, especially for smaller businesses with limited IT resources. However, security scanning packages can be obtained for a reasonable fee. In fact, Scanning companies that offer security seals for scanned businesses to display on their websites will find that sales will increase and conversion rates will improve. This is because online consumer trust scanned sites more than they trust non-scanned sites – as well they should.

The PCI Scan Service requires no hardware or software to be installed and managed. Inserting a small snippet of code on the website page is all that is required to both scan the site and display the trust seal and accompanying certificate. The seal and certificate demonstrates the business’ commitment to keep their site safe for themselves and their customers.

For additional questions about PCI Compliant Website Security Scans, visit Trust Guard today.

Penetration Testing: Stay Protected and Make More Money

Online security is everything and if you are a successful business person, you know just how crucial it is to stay protected online.

Your own personal website must stay secure at all times if you want to increase your profits and make more money online. People trust secure companies. If your company has trusted security scans, website verification, and PCI security logos, then people will trust that your company cares about their online security, and they will make more purchases with you. It might seem far-fetched that just by showing your customers that you care about their online security they will have more trust in your company and buy more products more often from you, but it’s true. One way to keep websites safe and to give peace of mind to online consumers is by “penetration testing” your website.

Penetration Testing is a method of evaluating the security of a computer system or network by simulating an attack from malicious outsiders (who do not have an authorized means of accessing the organization's systems) and spiteful insiders (who have some level of authorized access). “The process involves an active analysis of the system for any potential vulnerabilities that could result from poor or improper system configuration, both known and unknown hardware or software flaws, and operational weaknesses in process or technical countermeasures. This analysis is carried out from the position of a potential attacker and can involve active exploitation of security vulnerabilities.”

Security issues uncovered through the penetration test are presented to the system's owner. Effective penetration tests will couple this information with an accurate assessment of the potential impacts to the organization and outline a range of technical and procedural countermeasures to reduce risks. Penetration testing is what makes sure that you and your consumers and safe and protected online. As you try to avoid computer hackers who are looking to steal your personal information, it is important that you are staying protected by using security scans and trust seals like the secure ones that industry leaders Trust Guard and McAfee offer.

As a consumer, we look online for purchases and companies that offer great things that we need and want. If we are educated and care about our online safety, we also look for is the foundational security of the websites we patronize. If we can see a secure trust seal at the top of the page on a website, we instantly know that our information is being protected. We feel safe and trust the company, I know that I do.

When I see a company that uses trust seals, security scanning, and penetration testing, I feel out of harm's way and because I feel like the company is trustworthy and dependable, I usually buy from them. As business owners build trust, security, and rapport with their customers, they will know that by simply staying protected online, in part by performing penetration testing, they will be able to stay secure and make more money. Money isn’t everything, but knowing that your company can make more money by using security scans, is a great thing to think about.

Safe and Secure Holiday Shopping

The Holiday season is finally here! Soft falling snow makes the world more peaceful, beautiful and white. People are enthusiastically shopping for gifts for loved ones. Children are becoming more and more excited with each passing day as they think of Santa’s inevitable visit.

Perhaps you are one of those who have procrastinated your holiday shopping.  We all procrastinate for different reasons. Sometimes we don’t feel like we have enough money to get what we really want. Sometimes we don’t feel like we have enough time do research and some of us don’t feel safe shopping for the items we want to give. Sometimes we’re afraid to give the wrong gift – especially to our spouses and significant others.

This time of year, most retail outlets are insanely busy and most roads are jam packed. This is why I do most of my holiday shopping online.

Shopping online is simple and easy. You can do it in your pajamas! But it’s not stress free. Although you don’t have to worry about someone stealing your presents as you’re walking out with them or while they are in your car as you are purchasing more, some online shopping outlets can be just as dangerous. While you are online shopping for the newest, coolest presents, hackers are online trying to access your personal information and steal your identity and your money.

Computer hackers are everywhere and they are certainly good at what they do (which is being bad). But sadly, some online business owners are also in the business of purporting to offer an expensive, coveted gift, and then providing you with a cheap knock-off.

Here are some steps to protect you from online scrooges:

Make sure the websites you visit display a Business Verification Seal. This will prove to you that the company is a legitimate business that you will be able to contact should you have any issues with your purchase.

Make sure the websites you visit have a Security Scanning Seal. This seal demonstrates that the website is safe and free from vulnerabilities that hackers use to access websites and remove information that you as a consumer have provided such as your email, phone, and credit card information.

Check to ensure that the websites you visit have an active SSL certificate so that your credit card information is taken from the website and sent to the merchant bank in a safe, reliable manner.

Another way to stay protected is to keep your computer and your software programs up-to-date. Use the newest and best network security systems, and stay protected. If you have a virus, fix your computer immediately to avoid future viruses and hackers. Also keep all pop ups blocked. Pop-ups are generally hackers trying to get onto your web screen, so don’t let them.

Whether you bravely visit retail outlets or do your last-minute shopping online, be safe out there!