Last month, we delved into PCI compliance topics on the Vantage Viewpoint blog. What are the hurdles to staying compliant, and what are the risks to overlooking payment card security? In case you missed it, here are some of our favorite posts from March about PCI compliance. 

PCI 3.0 standards expect more constant vigilance from vendors

Key takeaway: Continuous review and monitoring is written into the new PCI 3.0 standards to prevent companies from overlooking their responsibility to evaluate practices on an ongoing basis. Instead of cramming for a PCI audit, businesses are expected to integrate assessment measures into their regular operations.

Strong third party relationships can boost efficiency of response plans

Key takeaway: One of the most important facets of payment card security is enacting an emergency response plan. Prevention efforts can only go so far to protect merchants from the fallout of a breach, so preparing for the worst is an integral part of data protection strategy.

Verizon study shows PCI compliance is improving

Key takeaway: A new study by Verizon posts a more encouraging outlook on the state of compliance, as it found that the total number of compliant organizations rose by 20 percent last year.

Experts predict active year of breaches ahead of EMV deadline

Key takeaway: Experts expect that 2015 will be an active year for breaches. This is because criminals with tried-and-true methods of compromising existing POS systems will attempt to exploit the final window of time when those strategies are effective.

Verizon: 80 percent of merchants fail interim PCI assessments

Key takeaway: Verizon found that 80 percent of all retailers fail interim PCI audits, leaving a sizeable majority of merchants vulnerable to cyber attacks through most of the year.

Contact VantageCard today to learn more about our payment processing solutions for merchants. And continue reading our blog for the latest news and advice about the payment industry.