Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue II, 2011 | Page 83

payment processors and other network service providers that previously had escaped PCI DSS oversight. The new rules not only require PCI DSS compliance by the service providers themselves, but also make acquirers responsible for ensuring compliance with these and other regulations. Fulfilling these new mandates presents a number of challenges, including determining the identity of the service providers used by franchisees. In addition, Visa has advised franchisors to adopt other protective measures, Be sure you’re not the next company grabbing headlines for letting customer cardholder data slip through your fingers. such as amending franchisee contracts to include having a data security policy consistent with PCI DSS, and expanding training programs to incorporate data security and PCI DSS rules. Help is available With franchises in the crosshairs of data thieves and the risk that a data breach will lead to regulatory fines as well as reputation damage, it is essential for franchise organizations to be aggressive in ensuring data security. Your PCI vendor can help you sort through the requirements as well as perform an external vulnerability assessment scan that can identify security weaknesses in your systems and procedures that may be exploited by hackers to pilfer customers’ cardholder data. Be sure you’re not the next company grabbing headlines for letting customer cardholder data slip through your fingers. David Ellis is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and Director of Forensics Investigations for SecurityMetrics, a leading provider of PCI DSS security solutions, based in Orem, Utah. Contact him at [email protected] or 801-724-9600. Our way beats their way. How do I retain my top leaders? How do I grow now that my franchisor saturated the market? Franchise opportunities available across the U.S. We’re smokin’ the competition. Do you want to own a franchise that’s setting the restaurant industry on fire? With nearly 400 units and high average unit volume, Firehouse Subs is one of the hottest fast-casual restaurant opportunities in the country. Hook & Ladder Sub® Join Great Clips! The world’s largest hair salon franchise. Manager-run and Recession-resistant. New York Steamer Sub® Take Action Today: firehousesubs.com or 877-887-8330 facebook.com/firehousesubs Follow us: @FirehouseSubs © 2010 Firehouse Subs. This material does not constitute an offer of a Firehouse Subs restaurant franchise. An offer can only be made by us after receipt of the Franchise Disclosure Document. 800-947-1143 GreatClipsFranchise.com Multi-unit FrancHisee Is s u e II, 2011 81