Conferon Global Services (CGS) announced that its registration business has received official certification with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard. PCI outlines the best practices for securing credit card data that is stored, processed or transmitted.

The PCI Data Security Standard is an amalgamation of VISA’s Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP) and Account Information Security Program (AIS) along with MasterCard’s Site Data Protection Program (SDP).

Collectively this program ensures that members, merchants, and service providers maintain the highest information security standard for all transactions including retail, mail/telephone order, and e-commerce.

CGS, through its ExpoExchange registration operation, sought this certification in order to provide its clients and their event participants with the highest protection available for their sensitive financial data.

In order to meet compliance, the largest merchants and service providers are required to have annual on-site audits as well as quarterly external vulnerability scans conducted by a PCI approved auditor. CGS contracted with Ambiron TrustWave, a leading security and auditing firm, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all systems, processes and physical security related to credit card data.

“Becoming PCI compliant has been the number one priority of the Network services department at Conferon Global Services,” said Brian Pietrewicz, Director, Network Services. “By complying with PCI requirements, we create a secure environment for our clients, their attendees and exhibitors, and ourselves.”

Cheryl Russell, CAE, Director of Convention and Meetings at American Speech-Language-Hearing Association appreciates the steps CGS has taken to increase security. She says, "The majority of our registrations are paid through credit card transactions. The fact that CGS has made an investment in becoming PCI compliant demonstrates their dedication to our event and quality service for our attendees. We appreciate that dedication to ensure that our registration transactions are secure."