The PCI DSS, endorsed by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Inc., requires merchants (including nonprofits) and service providers that store, process or transmit customer payment card data to adhere to information security controls and processes that ensure data integrity. More information on the council and the standards can be found at www.pcisecuritystandards.org.

As a participating organization, Blackbaud will now have access to the latest payment card security standards from the Council, be able to provide feedback on the standards and become part of a growing community that now includes more than 450 organizations. In an era of increasingly sophisticated attacks on systems, adhering to the PCI DSS represents an entity’s best protection against data criminals. By joining as a participating organization, Blackbaud is adding its voice to the process.

“The PCI Security Standards Council is committed to helping everyone involved in the payment chain protect consumer payment data,” said Bob Russo, General Manager of the PCI Security Standards Council. “By participating in the standards setting process, Blackbaud demonstrates they are playing an active part in this important end goal.” In addition to participating in the Council, Blackbaud is launching an awareness campaign in an effort to educate nonprofit organizations on the latest PCI requirements. “Blackbaud is committed to making sure its products are PCI compliant, but remember, it is up to you to make sure the rest of your organization is PCI compliant,” said Jake Marcinko, Blackbaud’s Information Security Manager, addressing customers in a video message.

In the coming months, Blackbaud will provide additional information about how nonprofits can become PCI DSS compliant on its new PCI Compliance Blog and in its customer support newsletters.

About PCI Security Standards Council
The mission of the PCI Security Standards Council is to enhance payment account security by driving education and awareness of PCI security standards. For more information, please visit www.pcisecuritystandards.org.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud is the leading global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships, and raise more money to support their missions. Approximately 19,000 organizations — including the American Red Cross, Dartmouth College, the WGBH Educational Foundation, Episcopal High School, Lincoln Center, Cancer Research UK, Special Olympics, and Arthritis Foundation — use one or more of Blackbaud products and services for fundraising, constituent relationship management, financial management, direct marketing, school administration, ticketing, business intelligence, website management, prospect research, consulting, and analytics. Since 1981, Blackbaud’s sole focus and expertise has been partnering with nonprofits and providing them the solutions they need to make a difference in their local communities and worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Blackbaud also has operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

www.blackbaud.com