Press Release – September 1, 2009
Richard S. Carson & Associates, Inc. is certified as PCI Security Standards Council Qualified Security Assessor
Carson Associates to advise on and assess client data security strategy
Bethesda, MD, September 1, 2009 – Richard S. Carson & Associates, Inc. (Carson Associates), a management consulting firm with over 22 years of information assurance experience, announced today that Carson Associates has successfully completed the PCI Security Standards Council Qualified Security Assessor testing process and has been certified to be able to perform PCI assessments according to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
The PCI Data Security Standard, endorsed by American Express, Discover Financial, JCB, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa International, requires merchants and service providers that store, process or transmit customer payment card data to adopt information security controls and processes to ensure data integrity. Participating payment brands require PCI DSS compliance reports by a certified third-party assessor for merchants and service providers that process credit card transactions to achieve compliance. More information on the council and the standard can be found at www.pcisecuritystandards.org
As a Qualified Security Assessor, Carson Associates is certified to help merchants and service providers manage data security risks, evaluate the security of their systems that store payment account data and assist them in achieving compliance with the PCI DSS.At Carson Associates, six staff members are certified as Qualified Security Assessors. In an era of increasingly sophisticated attacks on systems, the PCI DSS certification reassures merchants and service providers that they are being assessed accurately and fairly against the most current payment industry requirements.
“The PCI Security Standards Council is committed to helping everyone involved in the payment chain protect consumer payment data. By participating in the QSA certification process, Carson Associates demonstrates they are playing an active part in this important end goal,” said Bob Russo, chairperson, PCI Security Standards Council.
“Our top priority is to meet the needs of our customers by addressing the industry requirements for PCI compliance. We are happy to be able to provide the PCI services they need,” said Donna Ruginski, COO of Carson Associates.
About PCI Security Standards Council
The mission of the PCI Security Standards Council is to enhance payment account security by fostering broad adoption of the PCI Data Security Standard.
The PCI Security Standards Council was formed by the major payment card brands American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa International to provide a transparent forum in which all stakeholders can provide input into the ongoing development, enhancement and dissemination of the Data Security Standard. Merchants, banks, processors and point of sale vendors are encouraged to join as Participating Organizations. If you would like more information the PCI Security Standards Council or would like to become a Participating Organization please contact the PCI Security Standards Council at info@pcisecuritystandards.org.
About Carson Associates
With over 19 years of Information Assurance (IA) experience, Carson Associates offers full IT security management program services to government agencies, commercial enterprises, and colleges and universities. Our team consists of IA experts with advanced degrees and technical certifications, including CISSP and CISA. We are experts in safeguarding information systems and can help you effectively manage risk and protect your business-critical data.
