PCI Compliance for your Prescott business when Windows 7 ends

Is your business PCI Compliant? Credit card security has become a serious issue. Companies are required to follow specific rules and regulations to handle customers’ sensitive information safely. However, technology is rapidly evolving, so the ways data can be stolen is increasing. This means the rules change regularly to adapt. The recent announcement that support for Windows 7 is ending poses a significant problem for many businesses. TekStop Computer Repair explains PCI Compliance when Windows 7 ends.

What is PCI Compliance?

In 2006, the five largest credit card companies implemented PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). This standard provides regulations to ensure credit card companies and businesses handle credit card transactions securely. The main requirements state that you must maintain a secure network, take measures to protect customer data, and monitor your networks. There are varying levels of compliance, so it is essential that you are aware of the requirements.

How PCI Affects Your Business

Any business that accepts credit card payments is required to follow these regulations. If your business fails to remain compliant, you become liable if someone steals credit card data from you. If you are compliant and information is taken, the liability is on the credit card companies.

What Does Windows 7 Have to Do with PCI Compliance?

When Microsoft discontinues support for Windows 7, they will no longer release security patches. This means hackers will have time to create malicious programs that can easily access your system. This is where the issue of PCI compliance lies.

PCI regulations state “all system components and software must be protected from known vulnerabilities by installing applicable vendor-supplied security patches within one month of release.” If security updates are not being installed on your computer, then your system will quickly be unprotected from known vulnerabilities.

As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate, and keeping up with the latest PCI changes and software updates is nearly impossible. So how do you do it? TekStop Computer Repair provides technical support to keep your computer systems current. If your operating systems are running Windows 7 or older or if you have questions regarding PCI Compliance, call TekStop Computer Repair at 928-583-4454 to learn how they can help you stay up-to-date.