MegaPath Survey Finds Only One Third of Retailers Have Strong PCI Compliance

Retailers Acknowledge Productivity and Operational Improvements of Compliance Efforts but Require Assistance Implementing Strategic Measures

COSTA MESA, CA, April 1, 2008 – MegaPath Inc., the leading provider of managed IP data, voice and security services in North America, today announced that a survey distributed to over 100 retailers revealed that over 90 percent of respondents feel PCI compliance is very important to their businesses.  However, only one third of those surveyed said they have implemented strong compliance and credit card protection practices. In addition, more than 85 percent view PCI investments as benefiting to the overall business.

“Investing in PCI compliance is more than just meeting a standard, it’s about supporting the business,” said Alan Stukalsky, CIO for Churches Chicken. “We’ve found that the investments we’ve made have paid off with improved operations and productivity. MegaPath’s advanced security services have not only helped us become compliant but also enabled us to support our business goals and maintain customer satisfaction.”

Respondents revealed that managing security and implementing technology updates are two of the biggest challenges they face with maintaining PCI compliance. Ninety three percent of those surveyed believe that the corporate franchisors should take a more active role in helping their franchisees attain and maintain PCI compliance.

Fifty percent of respondents stated that a firewall is the most important security technology for ensuring PCI compliance.  This was followed by VPN and anti-virus. These results show that retailers recognize the importance of the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard, which states that retailers are required to install and maintain a firewall to protect cardholder data, use and regularly update anti-virus software and encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.

“While retailers understand the significance of being PCI compliant, it is clear that many are still working to achieve the optimal level of security to protect their customer information,” said James Cragg, President and COO of MegaPath. ”With our Broadband VPN and Managed Security Services, MegaPath enables our customers to affordably adhere to these strict security standards, so that they can easily attain and maintain compliance.”   

MegaPath conducted this survey of more than 100 retailers at a recent retail industry conference.  The survey results are intended to provide insight into how the retail industry views PCI Compliance; the technologies they are using to become compliant; if their efforts are benefiting the business; and identify the current compliance challenges retailers face.

Contact:

Tony Welz
Welz & Weisel Communications
(703) 218-3555
Tony@W2comm.com

About MegaPath Inc.
MegaPath is the leading provider of managed IP communications services in North America.  MegaPath leverages its wide selection of broadband connectivity, Virtual Private Networks, Voice over IP (VoIP) and security technologies to enable businesses to lower costs, increase security and enhance productivity.  Businesses of all sizes can easily and securely communicate between their headquarters, branch offices, retail locations, mobile workers, and business partners.
To learn more about why over 22,000 companies have chosen MegaPath’s managed IP data, voice and security services to improve their business communications, visit www.megapath.com or call 1-877-MegaPath (634-2728).