July 1st, 2010 marks the day that new Visa Inc. regulations go into effect. All retailers are expected to update their credit card-processing equipment and software to conform to new information security controls and processes. Operators are encouraged to seek the help of their consultants and software suppliers to ensure they are PCI compliant. Visa will hold any noncompliant retailers responsible for any data breaches.

For more information you can read the Better Business Bureau's Data Security Made Simpler brochure, which identifies ways to protect you and your business. Here's a quick look at information included:

"Nearly all businesses today accept credit and debit cards as a form of payment. Because sensitive data is collected in connection with these payments, the payment card industry has developed a comprehensive standard to help ensure the security of cardholder account data. This standard is known as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard or "PCI DSS," and is managed by the PCI Security Standards Council. The PCI DSS applies to all businesses that store, process or transmit cardholder data, and is enforced by the founding members of the PCI Security Standards Council - Visa Inc., American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, and MasterCard Worldwide."