There are always long lists, but here is some security to do before year end. Whether you are a service provider, retailer, professional consultant or restaurant owner you are always busy. Here are a few quick checks you can do to make sure you are ready for the next month and the new year ahead.
Do the Security Scans
We always recommend regular routine checks of your security. You are also required to ensure that you are safely processing credit cards. For all TransAct Merchant Services account holders, we have the processes in place to help you when needed. Be sure to follow all account maintenance guidelines, schedules and requirements.
If you have questions or concerns, reach out to our team to ask for help.
- There are no stupid questions!
Here are a few other reminders of what to do. (Plus, a few reminders of what not to do.)
Double Check Your Firewall
From settings, to logins and passwords, make sure that the system is locked down and is only available by approved personnel and access points.
In addition to the firewall, ensure that your wiring, modems and other connections to the internet are safe and secure. In the past, businesses found failures when the wiring itself was compromised. It doesn’t have to be a remote attack and this is the easiest thing to check with a visual observation.
Update passwords
Everyone should be following the recommendations for updating passwords. Most systems have their own cadence and require weekly, monthly, or quarterly updates. This is not something to avoid. If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, you probably should be proactive and update it today.
Following best practices, onboarding training and ongoing support, you will know what is the required timing.
Run your PCI Compliance check
Every account has a specific timeline to complete this. If you fail to run your required compliance check, fees can be imposed. When that happens, keep in mind that these fees are not refundable. It is imperative to be on-time and compliant.
Did you get an e-mail or an alert on your account to run the PCI Compliance Scan? (Did you run it yet?)
If you don’t know what to do next, read more here or reach out today.
Final Security Reminders
- Never write down credit card or debit card numbers.
- Always use unique login and passwords for each staff member.
- Do not take pictures of customer’s credit cards.
- Change passwords when prompted.
- Update software when prompted (many times the update is security related.)
Each month, at the end of a quarter and during year end it is important to close the loop on finances and financial processes.
If you haven’t been keeping up with this, whether it is scans or record keeping, you are at risk. Reach out to book an annual review and keep your business running smoothly as you go into the new year.