Unencrypted Payment Card Data Found on 63% of Merchant Networks -- Security Today

Unencrypted Payment Card Data Found on 63% of Merchant Networks

Mar 25, 2011

Nearly two-thirds of merchant computer systems store unencrypted payment card data in violation of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), according to scans of more than 475 merchant networks of all sizes by SecurityMetrics. This readable card data leaves merchants liable to fines and other penalties in case of card data compromise.

The presence of prohibited card information in 63 percent of merchant systems was discovered in beta testing of SecurityMetrics' just-released PANscan product, a free patent-pending software tool that searches for unencrypted track 1, track 2 and primary account number (PAN) data on merchant machines to support PCI DSS compliance efforts.

The test findings indicate a large number of merchants use payment application software that does not conform to the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS), fail to configure their payment applications properly, neglect to erase old data when new payment applications are purchased, and/or fail to train their employees in proper handling and storage of card data.

"Improper storage of payment card information puts cardholder data at risk. Our testing suggests that the problem remains surprisingly widespread even with increasing industry emphasis on the need for compliance with PCI DSS regulations," said SecurityMetrics CEO Brad Caldwell. "Proactively looking for unprotected data with a tool like PANscan can help close this security gap and potentially thwart future theft incidents."

Featured

Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now
- Video Surveillance
UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now
- Guard Services
Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now
- Guard Services

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

ResponderLink

Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.
EasyGate SPT SPD

Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.
Camden CM-221 Series Switches

Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.