There is good news for consumers regarding the standards of security and data handling of credit card processing software. A1 Merchant Accounts, an online network of merchant account providers, is informing the public about new standards that will be going into place for credit card processors. The merchant account providers that they work with are ready to comply with these security standards, which should be a great source of relief for consumers.
There has been an ongoing effort throughout the payment processing industry to standardize data-handling processes and keep consumers' personal information as safe as possible. Whether a
business works with merchant account providers or if they write their own credit card processing software, they are already required to conform to guidelines for merchant data security
known as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Standards are evolving, however, and the Security Council will be releasing their new standards this year. The merchant account
providers that work with A1 Merchant Accounts are ready to enable compliance for all of their clients.
Not all merchants have been able to comply with the Payment Card Industry standards, unfortunately, and many of them might struggle with meeting the new standards. Visa estimated earlier
this year that 25 percent of their larger merchants and about one third of medium-sized merchants do not meet the standards. The new requirements for credit card processors will address
additional measures to safeguard wireless transmissions, methods to prevent passive network attacks, guidance on dealing with malware, and rules requiring data encryption within internal,
nonpublic networks.
A1 Merchant Accounts is available to help businesses with information and advice regarding payment processing solutions, and their merchant account providers will ensure compliance with
the new security standards. For more information about credit card processing software and payment processing, visit www.a1-merchant-accounts.org.
About A1 Merchant Accounts:
A1 Merchant Accounts is a leader in the payment processing industry. They provide solutions and convenience for their clients with integrated payment processing services that help
Internet businesses run smoother and more efficiently. Their payment solutions are available to small and medium sized retail businesses. A1 Merchant Accounts currently manages thousands
of accounts, including wireless, with solutions that make sense in the business world.