Over the past four weeks we have been taking a look at becoming PCI compliant. We have set up our network, we are encrypting customer’s data, Our anti-virus program is installed and updated, and we are taking steps to make sure our network and software is secure. I feel good about this, and I think we have learned some useful information. Now, we will Implement Strong Access Control Measures:

1. Requirement 7: Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know
2. Requirement 8: Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access
3. Requirement 9: Restrict physical access to cardholder data

Here we look over who has access to customer’s information and the computers that store this information. Like many people starting an Internet business, our business computer is also used for recreation. This can pose a problem if friends or family also use our computer. The safest measure is to have a dedicated system used for processing and storing cardholder information. Let’s look at using our existing computer and how we can make this compliant.

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You know it’s important for your business to have a website. But let’s face it – there are thousands of websites just like yours right now. How can you be sure your website is attracting the business you want, instead of getting passed over?

Make it pretty

Would you read through a website that has blue text on a black background? Difficult navigation? Takes forever to load? We didn’t think so. Make sure your website is designed by someone who truly knows what they’re doing – this means a clean look, user-friendly navigation and no distracting bells and whistles. Your potential customers visit your website because they want to learn more about you. Make it easy for them.

Get to the point

Your website should draw customers in immediately. Tell them right on the front page that you understand their concerns and frustrations, and then how you can take them away. Throughout the website, educate them on what makes you the best choice for them, what products or services you offer and why you love what you do. Include a call to action – “Call me today!” – on every page and easy-to-find contact information.

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2Checkout is a reseller, every time a purchase is made we are buying from you for the purpose of reselling to the end customer. Because of this relationship, suppliers aren’t required to add sales tax and shouldn’t include sales tax with the price that is handed off to 2Checkout. While other taxes may apply depending on your location, 2Checkout tracks and pays applicable sales taxes.

Last week we looked at Anti-Virus(AV) software. This provides us with a reasonable level of protection so that we can protect our customers’ information. However, new threats are always being released and we need to make sure we keep updated on the latest virus or new security threat. We also need to have a place to test out software and hardware updates, as well as a place to try new shopping carts, or new pieces of code that will make our business more efficient, profitable, or just easier. Let’s take a look at the PCI Requirements on how to develop and maintain secure systems and applications.

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by Jeff Bishop

Why do NFL players keep changing uniforms?  One word–MARKETING!

The National Football League (NFL) is considered the “top brand” in all of American professional sports.  Why?

They protect it very well. They ensure consistency among uniforms, league discipline beyond even what the court of law might “dish out” i.e. Michael Vick serves almost 2 years in prison…of course not playing a down of football during those two years, and then upon his being reinstated to the NFL, was suspended for a few games at the beginning of this season.

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