Report sheds light on tricky security issues

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Consumer fraud and identity theft numbers have risen steadily over the past few years, and, whether you realize it or not, your customers are taking notice.

In fact, according to "Data Security and Privacy: Best Practices for Protecting Customer Information through PCI," a report published by the Digital Technology Alliance (DTA), almost half of the consumers polled in a Gemalto survey said they worry about identity theft when shopping online.

The report also highlights in-depth research on where and how security breaches most often occur, as well as what operators in every industry can do to safeguard their customer' personal information. Focusing its attention on the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), the report is packed with expert commentary on the challenges of PCI compliance.

"Rising reports of identity theft will continue to remind consumers that they need to pay careful attention to where, when and how they use their cards," said James Bickers, editor of RetailCustomerExperience.com, in his introduction to the report. And, as the report proves, retailers must learn how to catch up to industry standards if they want to keep their customers' trust.