Desperate attempts to save clients data

[img_assist|nid=6984|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=59]Present measures directed to protect credit card client data doesn't work effectively. The technologies considered capable to save data bases from outside penetration are called in question now.

A significant number of data thefts were generally made at the companies that didn't meet the requirements of the well-known Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. But it lasts until now.

In February one of the subdivisions of Delhaize Group S.A. named Hannaford Bros. got the certificate confirming that the company corresponds with the credit-card industry's security protocols. But some time later the very day they received this card processor advised the retail network in New England about the trouble with the credit cards. As they came to know later supposedly 4.2 million card data may have been intercepted.

Last month the same incident took place at Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont. Both events induced the retailers to think of alternative technologies to protect customers' information which they expect to be more resistant to break-in.

Recently Hannaford Company launched a new system that will enable them to monitor all the link-ups of the customers. The application was developed by the International Business Machines Corp. In addition the Company encodes card data shortly after it is stolen from the cash register. This allows distorting the information that is going to the servers of the company which head it further to the credit card agencies.

Some other companies are also increasing the data encryption at their store cash registers. Accordingly they buy new systems either of Verifone Holdings Inc or MagTek Inc, Calif. The first developed a new project named VeriShield system, the second created something in the nature. The latter named MagneSafe is said to be used by nearly "two dozen retailers."

As of PCI it is modifying its standards at the moment. In accordance with their February requirements retailers should check whether PIN pads are properly protected, if they turn out to be opened they must be made useless. Certainly there are more plans but it is up to the time that will show their efficiency.