Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards | PCI DSS | It’s the LAW in Minnesota

The Minnesota Plastic Card Security Act, signed by MN Governor Tim Pawlenty, essentially has codified various parts of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) into law. What’s interesting to not is not so much the specifics of what the law actually has to say, but rather it is a sign of a growing trend that is sweeping the nation in many states. Texas and California also have PCI DSS on their minds, as witnessed by recent legislative attempts in these two states to take action on the PCI standards. This essentially, is a sign of the times, as individuals and businesses alike are demanding more security into today’s heightened technology world we live in. The dollar amount being processed by payment cards (debit, credit and gift cards) is absolutely staggering and will only continue to rise in the coming years. The PCI DSS standards, which evolved out of the former VISA CISP data security standards is here to stay and will only grow over time. As a PCI-QSA, my advice to merchants and service providers who have to become PCI DSS compliant. Learn all you can about the PCI DSS standards and how they ultimately affect your organization. Remember, knowledge is power.