With the rise of credit card fraud, identity theft, and online security threats, it has never been more critical for companies to implement steps to safeguard cardholder data. Recently, our HOTELSIGNS.com team worked together to beef up our data security to be in line with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). As a result, HOTELSIGNS.com will no longer accept payments over the phone, via chat, fax, or email. Instead, we now offer a secure web payment portal where our customers can easily and quickly pay their bills. Don’t worry: we’ll explain the reasoning behind this change, as well as its benefits.
What Is PCI Compliance?
Consisting of all the major credit card companies, the PCI Security Standards Council is the organization that sets the standards for cardholder data security. The PCI data security standards require elements such as encryption, antivirus software, and a compliancy policy tailored to a company’s data security capabilities. A company evaluates its data security capabilities, then it reinforces those security measures in accordance with the Council’s standards, placing all future operations into a written policy.
PCI DSS standards are mandatory for all businesses that accept card payments. In addition, all third parties that the company does business with must also be in compliance with the PCI standards. In fact, customers—including those shopping at HOTELSIGNS.com and its subsidiary web stores—should expect the companies they order from to hold to the highest security and cardholder protection standards.
To demonstrate our commitment to the safety and privacy of our customers, our company has completed a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ), conducted security awareness training, and developed a tailored written PCI policy. In addition, all employees dealing directly with cardholder data have now been trained under a security awareness program. And as mentioned above, HOTELSIGNS.com no longer takes payments over the phone, via fax, chat, or email. Instead, we have opted for a secure online portal. It’s a quick and easy way for customers to pay their bills in a certified secure method.
Collecting Payments Online? Tell Me More.
In the past, HOTELSIGNS.com has always allowed for payments to be made in a variety of convenient ways, however, it was not always 100% secure. Based on the PCI DSS recommendations, the most secure method for paying bills is to offer customers a secure web payment portal. Customers can now utilize our new portal to pay with their credit or debit card or through ACH (electronic bank transfer). Whether making a deposit, paying off a balance, or making a full payment, this portal serves as the primary method for payment. This means there is no longer a reason for HOTELSIGNS.com to collect any cardholder information, giving our customers the assurance that their privacy is protected and the bonus of being more convenient with 24-hour customer access.
In addition to the secure web portal, we will still accept check payments via mail. However, we strongly encourage customers to use the new web portal for all payments. The new web portal removes the risks associated with mailing a check, and you will receive an instant email receipt when paying on the portal.
Our Dedication to Your Privacy and Security
Since we take privacy seriously at HOTELSIGNS.com, moving to a fully digital payment system was a logical choice. According to company president Hank McMahon, “Since implementing our new protocol, I’ve found that our customers love the ease of the new payment system and are appreciative of the efforts we’ve made to protect their payment information. They can make payments when it’s convenient for them, whether day or night, on their preferred device. Payments are processed immediately, the receipt is quickly emailed, and they no longer have to worry about checks getting lost in the mail.”
You may also read our privacy policy to better understand how all personal information is collected and used. Should you ever have any questions or concerns about our practices regarding your personal information, please reach out to our customer service team, and we will be happy to assist. Otherwise, get ready to outfit your hotel property with high-quality, durable, and ADA-compliant signs today!
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