Policy For Transmission Of Payment Card Details
1. Introduction
This policy governs the transmission of payment card details at AfyaDerm, an immigration consultancy firm. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the secure handling and transmission of payment card information to protect the privacy and security of our clients. All employees, contractors, and third-party vendors involved in the handling and transmission of payment card details must adhere to this policy.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals and systems involved in the transmission of payment card details at AfyaDerm, including but not limited to:
- Employees
- Contractors
- Third-party vendors
- Point of Sale (POS) systems
- Online payment gateways
- Any other systems or devices involved in the payment card processing
3. Definitions
- Payment Card: A credit card, debit card, or any other type of payment card that can be used to make payments.
- Payment Card Details: Cardholder data, including cardholder name, card number, expiration date, and card verification value (CVV).
- Transmission: The process of sending payment card details from one location to another, including electronic transmissions, online transactions, and physical transmission methods.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
4.1 Management
Management at AfyaDerm is responsible for:
- Designating an individual or team responsible for overseeing the implementation and compliance of this policy.
- Providing adequate resources, training, and awareness programs to employees regarding the secure transmission of payment card details.
- Regularly reviewing and updating this policy to align with industry best practices and changing regulatory requirements.
4.2 Employees
All employees at AfyaDerm are responsible for:
- Familiarizing themselves with this policy and complying with its requirements.
- Safeguarding payment card details and ensuring their secure transmission.
Reporting any suspected or actual breaches of this policy to the designated authority.
5. Secure Transmission of Payment Card Details
5.1 Encryption
- All payment card details transmitted over any network or stored in any system must be encrypted using industry-accepted encryption protocols (e.g., TLS 1.3 or higher).
- The use of strong encryption algorithms and cryptographic key management practices is mandatory.
- Encryption keys must be protected and stored securely, with limited access granted only to authorized personnel.
5.2 Network Security
- AfyaDerm must maintain a secure network infrastructure to prevent unauthorized access to payment card details during transmission.
- Firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and other security measures must be implemented to protect the network from external threats.
- Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing must be conducted to identify and address any weaknesses in the network infrastructure.
5.3 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Compliance
- AfyaDerm must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements applicable to the transmission of payment card details.
- Regular assessments and audits must be conducted to validate compliance with PCI DSS.
- Any identified non-compliance issues must be promptly remediated.
5.4 Point of Sale (POS) Systems
- POS systems used at AfyaDerm must be secure, regularly updated with the latest security patches, and compliant with PCI DSS.
- Physical security measures, such as restricting access to POS devices and ensuring tamper-evident mechanisms, must be in place to protect against unauthorized access or tampering.
5.5 Online Payment Gateways
- AfyaDerm online payment gateways must be compliant with industry-recognized security standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) standards.
- Strong user authentication mechanisms, secure transmission protocols, and secure storage of payment card details must be implemented.
5.6 Third-Party Vendors
- Before engaging any third-party vendors involved in payment card processing, AfyaDerm must perform due diligence to ensure they meet appropriate security standards and comply with relevant regulations.
- Contracts with third-party vendors must include provisions requiring them to adhere to the same level of security and compliance as AfyaDerm.
6. Incident Response and Breach Management
- AfyaDerm must have an incident response plan in place to address any suspected or actual breaches of payment card details transmission.
- The incident response plan should outline procedures for containment, investigation, communication, and recovery in the event of a breach.
- All breaches or suspected breaches must be reported to management and relevant authorities as required by law or regulation.
7. Training and Awareness
- AfyaDerm must provide regular training and awareness programs to employees involved in the transmission of payment card details.
- Training should cover secure transmission practices, security awareness, and the importance of compliance with this policy.
- Employees must acknowledge their understanding and compliance with this policy in writing.
8. Policy Review
- This policy will be reviewed at least annually or whenever there are significant changes in the payment card industry, regulations, or AfyaDerm operations.
- Amendments to the policy will be communicated to all relevant personnel, and they will be required to re-acknowledge their understanding and compliance.
9. Policy Non-Compliance
- Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contractual agreements.
- Employees who knowingly violate this policy or fail to report suspected violations may be subject to legal and/or regulatory consequences.
10. Policy Approval
- This policy has been approved by AfyaDerm management and is effective as of the date indicated below.