PCI Compliance

Massive losses are made each year due to credit card fraud and so to combat it, the Payment Card Industry (PCI) have created stringent data security standards (DSS) for online retailers to adhere to.

Any WHMCS user that uses a merchant account such as Authorize.net, BluePay, SagePay, etc... or offline credit card processing and therefore has credit card details passing through their website must comply with the PCI DSS controls and processes. Anyone who doesn't risks costly fines should a breach occur.

There are 12 core requirements for meeting the PCI DSS, divided up into 6 key groups:

Build and Maintain a Secure Network

Requirement 1: Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
Requirement 2: Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters

Protect Cardholder Data

Requirement 3: Protect stored cardholder data
Requirement 4: Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks

Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program

Requirement 5: Use and regularly update anti-virus software
Requirement 6: Develop and maintain secure systems and applications

Implement Strong Access Control Measures

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

Regularly Monitor and Test Networks

Requirement 10: Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data
Requirement 11: Regularly test security systems and processes

Maintain an Information Security Policy

Requirement 12: Maintain a policy that addresses information security

It is important to note that while WHMCS is an integral part of the chain in obtaining PCI Compliance, the majority of the above rules relate to your hosting environment, network, and staff procedures.

To help our customers achieve PCI Compliance, we have teamed up with McAfee® and are therefore able to offer a substantial reduction on their normal service rate. McAfee PCI Compliance Service is a simplified, easy-to-use system that enables Level 2-4 merchants to successfully satisfy PCI DSS compliance requirements. Click here to find out more...

The information shown here on PCI Compliance should be used as a guide only and WHMCS Ltd. makes no warranty of any kind for the correctness or accuracy of this information. Additional advice should sought as appropriate.