EDITOR’S MAILBOX


Dear Editor, The latest report published by


the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council (SSC) outlines a number of changes to the PCI Data Security Standard (DSS), which will be introduced as version 3 in November 2013. Any organisation that is sceptical


of the advent of version 3 of the PCI DSS and the proposed changes, needs only look at the ongoing security breaches and targets by criminals on cardholder data. Indeed, latest figures from the Nilson Report show that global card losses in 2012 reached $11.3 billion (£7.2bn), up 14.6% over the prior year. The upcoming changes are very


much in line with a methodology of continuous, real-time security validation for all in scope systems; so instead of this being a once a year activity, we fully agree with the PCI SSC’s objectives of educating and encouraging merchants to embed security best practices within their everyday operations, and be PCI compliant as a natural consequence of this. Ignorance, complacency and


corner cutting are still the major contributors to card data theft. PCI DSS requirements need to


be taken seriously, implemented in full, and practised daily. Securing the perimeter via anti virus and firewalling is never going to be ‘secure enough’ but, by running continuous file integrity monitoring, card handling systems can be properly hardened against breaches and protected against card data- stealing malware. In adopting a methodology and


culture of continuous real-time security validation, the operation of security best practices will become straightforward, inexpensive, something that merchants of any size can take in their stride, and critically


54 Autumn 2013


give full peace of mind that systems are being actively protected at all times, 100% in line with PCI DSS requirements. Yours sincerely, Mark Kedgley, New Net Technologies chief technology officer


Dear Editor, Many organisations are being


seduced by the hoopla whipped up and labelled as ‘Big Data’. A popular meme has evolved which suggests that the existence of huge volumes of extremely detailed data enables insight into human behaviour, needs and motivation; if we just tap into big data we can learn everything we need to know about our customers, potential customers, competitors, employees and any other group we’re interested in. The truth is that very few


organisations have the capability to generate such insight from Big Data, and these organisations are utterly data-driven; they collect, create, collate, cultivate and consume data – it is woven into all of their working practices, powers measurement of all their activity and the information reaped from its effective management drives their planning, execution and thinking. These data-driven organisations eat, drink and breathe information and to enable this they place a high value on data and treat it is as precious asset. The vast majority of our


businesses, however, are not data- driven; instead we are opinion- operated – that is, we hold beliefs about our organisations and argue our case for change, or maintaining the status quo, based on these opinions. To move from opinion-operated


to data-driven takes time and commitment, but it makes little sense


to dabble in Big Data without such a commitment – oases of evidence- based reason amid a desert of faith- based superstition are weak resources and prove too little sustenance for our travels. The spectacular rise of data- driven businesses over the past 15 years suggests that, while the journey is arduous, the destination is more than worthwhile. Yours sincerely, Guy Cuthbert, Atheon Analytics managing director


Dear Editor, As veteran retailer Bill Grimsey


released his report on retail in the UK, experts are calling for root and branch change to save Britain’s ailing high streets. The recommendation in The


Grimsey report that we move towards ‘networked high streets’ again demonstrates that technology must be at the heart of retailers’ survival strategy. Unlocking insights in data held by retailers with the help of analytics and innovative technologies such as geo-location targeting could transform the British High Street. This technology can enable retailers to target consumers with more personalised, relevant and timely offers, using their preferred channel with mobile holding the most opportunity. The power is really in the hands


of consumers who now expect to receive the right offer, at the right time, for the right price over their mobile device while standing in store. With these cutting-edge technologies now at our fingertips we are on the brink of a truly exciting interactive way of shopping that has the potential to draw customers back to the High Street – if retailers chose to embrace it. Yours sincerely, Alex Fovargue, SAS UK & Ireland retail specialist


www.retailtechnology.co.uk


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