NCC Group Becomes Accredited QSA for PCI DSS

NCC Group, the leading independent provider of security testing and consultancy services, is pleased to announce it has been accredited by the Payment Card Industry Standards Council as a Qualified Security Assessor.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard was developed and implemented jointly by the Payment Card Industry - including MasterCard and Visa - in response to increased fraud and identity theft involving stolen credit card data, in order to stem losses by the card providers and improve consumer confidence. It not only addresses the most common consumer fears over making credit card transactions, that their cardholder details will be compromised and abused, but ensures all ‘merchants’ accepting credit card payments become more accountable for their own risk.

As a Qualified Security Assessor, NCC Group will assist merchants to become compliant with the standard as mandated in their merchant agreements. NCC Group will work closely with merchants to identify areas of vulnerability and recommend practical improvements to achieve that compliance in a cost-effective and pragmatic manner. Through QSA Audit and Mastercard Approved Scanning, NCC Group will help merchants to prove that compliance to Acquiring Banks.

Prior to achieving accreditation, NCC Group was advising a number of its clients such as Slough Borough Council and London Borough of Brent, testing their compliance with the PCI DSS. Now the Group is able to offer organisations such as Cineworld and the online retailer Office a total ‘one-stop’ set of services which includes the required security assessment and the provision of advice, guidance and assistance in remediation activities.

John Redeyoff, Director of Information Security at NCC Group comments:

“With many years’ experience of providing expert security testing services and consultancy services to help organisations to protect themselves from information security threats, NCC Group is ideally placed to advise on and assess against the PCI DSS. As an existing MasterCard Approved Scanning Vendor, a CHECK approved security tester, and now a Qualified Security Assessor, we are well versed in meeting the most stringent of assessment criteria and consider the introduction of the standard an essential defence in the arms race against organised crime.”

ENDS

About NCC Group:

NCC Group is a leading global provider of independent IT assurance, security and consultancy services. As a trusted advisor, it helps over 15,000 public, private and not for profit sector organisations, including 92 of the FTSE 100, to make the most efficient use of information and technology and to manage the associated risks.

With no ties or relationships to hardware or software providers, NCC Group offers unbiased and impartial advice. The company focuses on developing intelligent solutions to real business issues and building lasting partnerships through its comprehensive portfolio of IT assurance, security and consultancy services.

Further information about NCC Group can be found at www.nccgroup.com.