Merchant Resource Library

August 2018

Visa Merchant Business News Digest

The Visa Merchant Business News Digest provides a summary of recent Visa Business News publications that highlight key merchant-related publications.

July 19, 2018

Visa Security Alert (PSI): Fraudsters targeting call center chat and non-voice channels (Chatbots)

A growing industry trend to deploy online chat and non-voice channel services within call centers and merchant online environments may introduce potential risks to the users of these services. Visa Payment Systems Intelligence (PSI) identified increasing instances of criminals targeting these online services to obtain payment data. The purpose of the attached Visa Security Alert is to provide clients with an understanding of the threat landscape and best practices for securing this environment.

PDF 222 KB

July 27, 2018

U.S. Automated Fuel Dispenser EMV Liability Shift Delayed

Visa has been working with merchants, acquirers, and fuel-industry providers to support migration to the more secure EMV technology. The EMV liability shift is designed to better protect all parties. With the new rules, the party that is the cause of a chip transaction not occurring, either the issuer or acquirer, will be held financially responsible for any resulting card-present counterfeit fraud losses. However, due to challenges with EMV Automated Fuel Dispensers (AFD) solution readiness, Visa is delaying the U.S. domestic AFD EMV liability shift date to 1 October 2020.

PDF 354 KB

July 6, 2018

Counterfeit Fraud Mitigation Best Practices - Point-of-Sale Merchants Who are Not EMV Chip Enabled

Four best practices that merchants can implement to help reduce counterfeit fraud for point-of-sale transactions.

PDF 929 KB

June 25, 2018

Chip Payment Acceptance for Restaurant Merchants - Understanding Tip and Gratuity Options

This flyer provides information about chip acceptance at restaurants and the options available for adding tips to the final transaction amount.

PDF 586K

May 24, 2018

Machine learning in the payments industry

Visa hosted a webinar providing an overview of machine learning; specifically, how machine learning is applied in the payment industry, decision making with machine learning, threats from machine learning based attacks, and managing and monitoring of machine learning.

May 18, 2018

Counterfeit Fraud Mitigation Best Practices for Service Station Transactions - Fuel Merchants Who Are Not EMV Chip Enabled

This flyer provides best practices to help reduce counterfeit fraud for service station transactions where merchants are not yet accepting chip cards.

PDF 447 KB

May 18, 2018

Counterfeit Fraud Mitigation Tools for Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions

This document describes 3 tools that can be used to help reduce counterfeit fraud on AFD transaction.

PDF 1015 KB

May 17, 2018

Providing the Proper Location of Your Merchant Business

This flyer provides clarification of the rules which detail how a merchant should identify the proper location for all transactions processed through the Visa system. Providing the proper information helps prevent unnecessary cardholder disputes and reduces additional risk to the Visa system.

PDF 462 KB

April 18, 2018

Webinar: New PCI SSC Data Security resources for small merchants

Visa hosted a webinar to highlight new data security resources available to small merchants through the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). The webinar reviewed recent updates to the Qualified Integrator and Reseller Program and other educational resources designed to help small merchants better understand how to protect their acceptance environment and the Visa payment system.

PDF 798 KB

April 14, 2018

Signature requirement will become optional for EMV-enabled merchants in U.S. and Canada

New options for merchants in the U.S. & Canada From 14 April 2018, EMV-enabled merchants in the U.S. and Canada have the option to stop capturing signatures as a method of cardholder verification. Those same merchants will also no longer be required to retain and store transaction receipts.

PDF 192 KB

April 9, 2018

Online Dispute Guide for Merchants

Smaller merchants often ask for help with responding to transaction disputes. Visa developed an online guide for merchants to assist these smaller merchants with their disputes.

April 9, 2018

Dispute Management Guidelines for Visa Merchants

Managing disputes, copy requests, and dispute conditions

PDF 2.1 MB

March 2018

Merchant Frequently Asked Questions

The Merchant Frequently Asked Questions provides merchants with frequently asked questions regarding Visa Claims Resolution.

Clarifications on stored credentials and MIT framework mandates

February 07, 2018

As the payment system has evolved, instances in which a transaction is initiated with a stored credential based on a cardholder’s consent for future use have increased to significant levels. To help merchants and acquirers understand the Stored Credential and Merchant Initiated Transaction framework, Visa is summarizing the requirements and implications through this supplemental document. Please refer to October 2016 VisaNet Business Enhancement Global Technical Letter and Implementation Guide for full details.

218 KB

Security Bulletin (PSI Alert): protect against ecommerce malware

January 10, 2018

eCommerce malware infections are a continued contributor to global fraud in the Card-Not-Present space. To help merchants combat fraud resulting from these global and persistent attacks, Visa is providing guidance and best practices for merchants to help secure their online stores.

127 KB

Visa Security Alert (PSI Alert): Cybercriminals leveraging dynamic data exchange (DDE) protocol

November 14, 2017

Visa has become aware of the rise in phishing campaigns throughout the payments ecosystem. The primary cybercriminal exploitation method begins with a phishing e-mail and relies on the Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) protocol for infection instead of malicious macros or an exploit kit. Visa is providing this alert to ensure awareness of the cyber threats actively exploiting this Microsoft Windows feature.

625 KB

Webinar: Monthly client data security communication

November 14, 2017

Visa hosted a webinar for clients to present an overview of Visa's new monthly client data security communication. To assist clients in managing their sponsored merchant and third party agent compliance with Visa’s data security validation requirements, effective November 2017, Visa will provide clients with a monthly report listing all merchants and third party agents due to revalidate compliance against the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard and/or PCI PIN Security Requirements.

PDF 977 KB

November 1, 2017

Webinar (PSI Alert): Emerging threat: card-not-present breaches

As counterfeit fraud becomes more challenging for fraudsters globally, they have shifted their focus to the card-not-present channel. Cybercriminals are targeting e-commerce transactions to exploit common vulnerabilities and compromise static payment data. In particular, the e-commerce space has seen developments in malware, modified source codes and database triggers.

PDF 1.1MB

October 1, 2017

Visa Claims Resolution - Efficient Dispute Processing for Merchants

Visa Claims Resolution, a new global initiative will replace Visa’s existing dispute resolution process. VCR will simplify dispute processing by migrating from a litigation-based approach to a liability-assignment-based approach. This flyer describes the new process, consolidation of reason codes, and merchant benefits.

PDF 2.1 MB

September 27, 2017

Visa account updater and real time Visa account updater

Visa understands the challenges faced by merchants when it comes to staying on top of account information changes. Outdated credential-on-file information can lead to declined transaction and cardholder inconvenience. Increase authorization approvals and reduce customer service issues and expense with Visa Account Updater (VAU). VAU offers two solutions that solve this problem; VAU and Real Time VAU.

PDF 123 KB

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September 19, 2017

Webinar Deck: 2017 Visa security symposium recap

Visa hosted a webinar to discuss the topics and key take-aways from the 2017 Visa Security Symposium. This webinar highlighted the importance of securing a connected world. In today’s digital age, proper checks on data security and risk management are essential to defending the payments ecosystem.

PDF 1.7 MB

September 1, 2017

Automated fuel dispenser EMV implementation

Fuel dispenser chip card acceptance is the more secure way to accept Visa cards at your fuel dispensers, and the best way to avoid liability for counterfeit fraud. The sooner it is done the better for a number of reasons.

PDF 71 KB

August 18, 2017

Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD) fraud prevention best practices

This document reviews best practices for fuel merchants for preventing Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD) fraud.

PDF 55 KB

August 01, 2017

Visa Bulletin: Play it safe this summer

Do you know who handles your data? Working with the right partners is crucial to protecting the cardholder environment. Ensuring that players prioritize security can help you score a security home run this summer.

PDF 789 KB

July 20, 2017

Visa Bulletin: Data compromise reporting requirements

Visa has observed an increase in network intrusions involving service providers, re-breaches of merchant payment environments and skimming incidents involving Point of Sale (POS) device overlays. Visa is issuing this alert to make Members and entities aware of their obligations to investigate and immediately report all data compromise events.

PDF 263 KB

July 6, 2017

Visa Authorization and Reversal Processing Guide

The best practices in this document allow merchants to maximize the financial benefits of this authorization processing capability, while creating the best experience for the customer.

PDF 602 KB

May 31, 2017

Webinar: Risk Management Trends in the Global Payments Ecosystem

Visa hosted a webinar providing an overview of the trends in the global payment system – from protection to authentication. This webinar highlights the effects more players and digitization have on the payments ecosystem and what that might mean for data security, fraud management and cyber intelligence in the future.

PDF 1.5 MB

May 4, 2017

PSI Alert: Detecting and Mitigating Persistent Javascript eCommerce Malware

In February 2017, analysts identified a new technique used with JavaScript-based eCommerce malware that enables the malware to re-infect the website automatically upon incomplete removal. Visa is providing this report in order to alert eCommerce merchants to this malware technique, and to provide detection and mitigation methods if this malware is discovered.

PDF 520 KB

April 07, 2017

Pay Acceptance for US Quick-Service Restaurants

The information contained in the Visa Payment Acceptance Best Practices for U.S. Quick-Service Restaurants guide is geared toward the actions and decisions most pertinent to quick-service restaurants and operators in the U.S. It also includes best practices and on-the-job support tools for managers and employees.

PDF 4.6 MB

April 06, 2017

Visa Partial Authorization Service – Improve the Customer Experience and Increase Sales

Visa provides a Partial Authorization service that provides an alternative to declining a transaction when the card’s available balance is not sufficient to approve a transaction in full. This flyer provides information about the benefits realized, how to use the service, and answers to frequently asked questions.

PDF 206 KB

March 29, 2017

Third Party Risk Program Initiatives 

Webinar deck highlights tools and resources that are available to clients and merchants to mitigate risks when selecting a service provider partner. Additional highlights include Third Party Agent Risk Program initiatives, including unregistered agent campaigns and multiple tool enhancements.

PDF 1.1 MB

March 2, 2017

Visa Payment Acceptance Best Practices for U.S. Retail Petroleum Merchants

The best ways to process card transactions and manage the risks posed by card payments in the fuel segment.

PDF 2.6 MB

March 1, 2017

PSI Alert: Flokibot Malware

Multiple information security firms have reported on the emerging threat of a new malware variant identified as “Flokibot.” While Flokibot attacks have focused on the LAC region to date, this malware may represent a broader threat to the payments ecosystem. Visa is publishing this alert in order to provide clients and stakeholders with technical information, including background on the malware, indicators of compromise and suggested mitigation activities to protect the payments ecosystem.

PDF 488 KB

February 21, 2017

Visa Publication: Racing to Security

It is always a great opportunity to set goals and make plans to achieve them. While motivation is at an all-time high, consider taking the following actions to help secure the payments ecosystem at the merchant level.

PDF 426 KB

February 01, 2017

Card Acceptance Guidelines for Visa Merchants

Download this comprehensive manual for all businesses that accept Visa transactions in the card-present and/or card-absent environment. This guide provides the latest information and best practices to help merchants process Visa transactions, understand Visa products and rules and protect cardholder data while minimizing the risk of loss from fraud.

PDF 5.9 MB

January 18, 2017

Manual Key Entry and Card Verification Value 2 for US Merchants

Outlines upcoming changes to the acceptance process at the point of sale for merchants using chip acceptance devices.

PDF 216 KB

December 30, 2016

PSI Alert: General Skimming Alert

As the US market migrates to EMV chip, the fraud threat from criminals placing skimming devices on, or in, attended and unattended point-of–sale (POS) devices for the purpose of collecting payment card information, including PIN numbers, increases. Perpetrators use skimmed payment information to quickly create counterfeit cards re-encoded with the stolen card information typically resulting in ATM withdrawals. To help clients combat skimming, Visa is providing guidance on recommended inspection and response actions. This data security alert may be disseminated to all payment system stakeholders.

PDF 111 KB

December 8, 2016

Webinar: Preventing Card-Not-Present Fraud

Chip card technology in the U.S. has created new challenges for committing fraud at the physical point of sale. Data compromises continue to occur, with fraud migrating online and into other card-not-present channels. As a result, some merchants may experience an increase in chargebacks and transaction declines, cutting into their profitability. In this webinar, learn about current fraud trends and strategies to mitigate fraud in e-commerce. Visa shares common flags for card-not-present fraud and methods for managing and resolving transaction disputes.

PDF 1.3 MB

November 17, 2016

Bulletin: Cyber Monday: Layer Up for Safer Holiday Sales

Global eCommerce sales are expected to double from 2015 to 2019. While growth in this sales channel creates great opportunities for merchants, it also has the ability to attract high levels of fraud activity. With the holiday season fast approaching, merchants should understand how to best protect against Card Not Present Fraud.

PDF 678 KB

November 16, 2016

Webinar: Top 10 Signs of a Payment Data Breach

Recognizing the signs of a cyber-attack can make the difference between falling victim to a Point-of-Sale compromise and stopping a breach in progress or preventing one altogether. Through research and intelligence gathered from payment data breach investigations, Visa identified many common tactics, attack characteristics and malware types across breaches in every merchant vertical. Learn some of the new developments in Point-of-Sale network attacks and gain insights into data exfiltration methods as well as how to spot the common warning signs of a breach within the payment environment. Knowing the attacker’s tactics and tools goes a long way in building better defenses.

PDF 607 KB

October 26, 2016

Webinar: EMV Migration - Not as Scary as it Used to Be

With steady progress and growth of EMV since October 1, 2015, there are now more than 1.46 million chip-enabled businesses and 363 million chip-enabled Visa cards, making the U.S. the largest Visa chip card market in the world. The number of Visa chip transactions surpassed half a billion in the month of August, representing a 1,000+ percent annual increase. As we reach the one-year anniversary of the EMV liability shift, many questions remain regarding the process behind the migration and the advancements made in the past year. This session discussed why the U.S. moved to EMV, the progress the industry and Visa has made in the past year, analyze early results and updates on further enhancements, such as Visa Quick Chip. 

PDF 1.1 MB

September 30, 2016

Small Merchant Security Program – QIR Infographic

As part of a broader effort to mitigate small merchant breaches, Visa Payment System Risk established new data security program requirements for U.S. and Canadian acquirers with an effective date of January 31, 2017. This infographic addresses the most common questions on the topic of the small merchant validation and Qualified Integrator/Reseller (QIR) requirements.

PDF 800 KB

September 28, 2016

Webinar: Effectively Managing Account Data Compromises

Protecting the payment system is a shared responsiblity. During this webinar, Visa experts shared latest compromise trends, mitigation strategies, and the latest 'What To Do If Compromised' document.

PDF 3.6 MB

August 30, 2016

PSI Alert: ATM Malware Compromise

In late August 2016, Visa became aware of a recent ATM malware compromise in SoutheastAsia and is providing indicators of compromise (IOCs) in order to enable security and incident response teams of financial institutions and ATM manufacturers to check and secure network environments. While these IOCs are specifically associated with an investigation involving ATMs in the Southeast Asia incident, Visa notes that the methods employed by the criminals in this incident represent a broader criminal threat to ATM manufacturers/models worldwide and their deployers.

Visa previously published a technical analysis on malware, including filenames, malware hashes, and criminal methodology involved in a separate ATM Jackpotting incident in the Asia-Pacific region. While there are similarities between the two events, this notification serves to highlight key differentiators –including malware and methodologies - pertaining to the incident in Southeast Asia.

PDF 641 KB

August 24, 2016

Webinar: Guarding Against Card-Not-Present Fraud

Mobile purchases increased to nearly one in five online orders and generated about $69.1 billion during the most recent holiday season. As mobile payments grow, fraud risks increase. Knowing the differences between eCommerce and mCommerce fraud is a critical first step in protecting merchants. Visa and CyberSource experts explain how a process-based approach can help clients detect and control mobile fraud.

PDF 1.75 MB

August 12, 2016

PSI Alert: Oracle MICROS Compromise

On Monday, 8 August 2016, Oracle Security informed Oracle MICROS customers that it had detected malicious code in certain legacy MICROS systems. Oracle is currently investigating the compromise, and as of 12 August 2016, the company has not published details about the cause/s.Visa is issuing this alert to provide indicators of compromise (IOCs) associated with cybercrime threats known to have previously targeted Oracle systems. 

PDF 682 KB

August 9, 2016

Webinar: Protect the Payment System from Account Testing and Fraudulent Authorizations

Visa shares the profile of criminal account testing and associated fraudulent authorizations, and the best practices that payment operations groups must deploy to restrict fraud.

PDF 2.5 MB

August 4, 2016

Webinar: PCI DSS Small Merchant Resources

The PCI Security Standards Council convened a small merchant business taskforce to provide guidance and feedback to prepare resources that simplify data security for some of the most vulnerable businesses preyed upon by cybercriminals. Relying on cross-industry expertise to help small merchants understand why and how to protect payment card data and resolve risks to their businesses the taskforce has developed a toolkit to aid this effort.

PDF 1.5 MB

August 4, 2016

PSI Alert: ATM Jackpot Malware

Visa highlights the ATM “Jackpotting” incidents in the attached data security alert. This publication provides information regarding indicators of compromise (IOCs) as well as recommendations for response.

PDF 586 KB

July 15, 2016

PSI Alert: Magento Vulnerabilities Affecting Ecommerce Merchants

Magento is a popular open-source, e-commerce platform written in PHP. Several critical and high vulnerabilities were discovered and patched on the Magento platform in January 2016. Merchants who have not deployed security patch SUPEE-7405, as required by PCI standards, are vulnerable to remote exploits that can compromise account data. Document shares a description and impact of Magento and provides detection and mitigation steps.

PDF 302 KB

July 12, 2016

PSI Alert: PoSeidon Malware persistence Monitoring

In March 2016, the PoSeidon (point-of-sale) PoS malware was modified with the incorporation of a persistence monitoring capability. PoSeidon malware now actively monitors the PoS system processes in order to maintain the infection and malware functionality. If the malware is removed from the system, the monitor process waits two (2) minutes and re-infects the system. Document provides an overview of the threat and risk description and best practices to mitigate against PoSeidon.

PDF 339 KB

Jun 28, 2016

Webinar (PSI Alert): Skimming at the Point of Sale

In response to a rise in incidents in which skimming devices were placed on POS terminals to collect payment card information, Visa shares typical skimming events that affect self-checkout terminals and the ways in which perpetrators carry out these attacks and how merchants can identify and properly manage these incidents.

PDF 3.5 MB

Jun 14, 2016

Manual Key Entry and Card Verification Value 2 for Merchants

Outlines upcoming changes to the acceptance process at the point of sale for merchants using chip acceptance devices.

PDF 198 KB

Jun 1, 2016

Online Pharmacy Guide for Acquirers

A manual for acquirers who have boarded, or are considering boarding, an Internet pharmacy or Internet pharmacy referral merchant.

PDF 1.2 MB

May 12, 2016

Visa Bulletin: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Version 3.2 Published

The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) has published version 3.2 of the PCI DSS, which provides a baseline of technical and operational requirements designed to protect cardholder data. The bulletin includes key updates, effective dates for implementation and additional resources.

PDF 285 KB

May 12, 2016

PSI Alert: Threat Landscape - PIN PAD/POS SKIMMING

A Visa security alert describing recent incidents involving suspects placing skimming devices on point-of–sale (POS) terminals for the purpose of collecting payment card information, including PIN numbers.

PDF 106 KB

May 11, 2016

PCI DSS: A Look Inside V3.2

The Payment Card Industry Standards Security Council (PCI SSC) which is responsible for defining the technical and operation standards for the protection of payment card data will release an update to the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) in late April 2016. Visa’s representatives on the PCI SSC will provide information on what to expect with Version 3.2, review the key changes associated with this release and outline dates and impacts to Visa compliance programs.

PDF 819 KB

Apr 21, 2016

Processing Refunds to Cardholders in a Merchant Store Location

Following Visa’s requirements for processing a refund will help keep your customers informed and reduce the number of questions you may receive as the result of a return. This flyer describes best practices in processing a refund to a cardholder’s account.

PDF 789 KB

Apr 18, 2016

Enabling Omni Commerce A Seamless Shopping Experience

Many merchants are creating an omni-channel experience for their customers that provides convenient, seamless and secure delivery across all of their channels, including in-store, eCommerce, telephone, mobile web, and mobile app. This flyer describes the omni-channel experience depending on the payment and delivery option selected by the customer.

PDF 654 KB

Apr 13, 2016

Identifying, Preventing and Mitigating Skimming Attacks

Visa and a guest speaker from NCR Corporation discuss the latest skimming techniques and technology, as well as, how to spot skimming devices and safeguard against sophisticated attacks.

PDF 10.3 MB

Mar 24, 2016

Best Practices for Authorization and Reversal Processing - For U.S. Lodging, Car Rental and Cruise Line Merchants

A flyer for lodging, car rental, and cruise line merchants to help them ensure that authorizations are not improperly tying up customer funds.

PDF 897 KB

Mar 23, 2016

Stay One Step Ahead of Hackers With Visa Threat Intelligence

Visa and a guest speaker from FireEye explain how financially motivated attackers are targeting customer data and the payment ecosystem. The session dived into security vulnerabilities and techniques hackers use to steal customer information, including payment card data. Visa subject matter experts also provide valuable cyberthreat indicators, risk mitigation strategies and practical guidance on how to detect these threats and secure systems from attack.

PDF 1.4 MB

Mar 4, 2016

Quick Service Restaurants-Chip Card Acceptance in the US

A flyer for quick service restaurants demonstrating how to use a chip cards for payment at the point of sale.

PDF 735 KB

Feb 24, 2016

Third Party Risk Program

Visa provides an overview of the risks third parties may introduce into the payment ecosystem and recent program updates and mandates (including small merchant and use of Qualified Integrators and Resellers). Additionally, highlights tools and resources available to issuers, acquirers and merchants when selecting service provider partners.

PDF 1.7 MB

Feb 1, 2016

Webinar (PSI Alert): “Kuhook” POS Malware

Visa highlights “Kuhook” Point-of-Sale (POS) malware, a variant from the “ModPOS” malware family. This point of sale malware, “Kuhook”, is one of the most sophisticated and difficult to detect payment card stealing malware identified. Visa experts and Mandiant highlight the malware capabilities, indicators of compromise and mitigation steps.

PDF 4,770K

Jan 29, 2016

Let your customers know you accept Visa

Learn how best to communicate that you accept Visa cards and/or mobile payments with Visa. Download the Visa POS Graphic for display at physical locations, on payment terminals and on websites.

ZIP 2.6M

Jan 15, 2016

"Visa Publication: New Year's Resolution: Resolve to Fight Malware"

Visa shares best practices to help mitigate against malware attacks.

PDF 330K

Jan 07, 2016

Update to Small Merchant Data Security Requirements and Frequently Asked Questions

Updates to the small merchant data security requirements for U.S. and Canada acquirers. These requirements involve the use of Qualified Integrators and Resellers (QIRs) and required PCI DSS validation. This document includes Frequently Asked Questions about the data security requirements.

PDF 193K

Dec 22, 2015

Visa Security Alert: Lodging Holiday Season

Visa has identified multiple malware families targeted the lodging industry, including casinos and resorts. To name a few, “FindPOS” (or “Poseidon”), “FrameworkPOS”, and “rawpos” are confirmed in several Visa investigations, suggesting the industry continues to be attractive to attackers interested in payment card data. This publication provides information on each malware family along with security best practices to mitigate this threat.

PDF 311K

Dec 18, 2015

Visa Best Practices: Visa Checkout Merchant Holiday Best Practices

Visa recommends best practices to help merchants mitigate fraud attacks during the holiday season.

PDF 340Kz

Dec 17, 2015

Webinar (PSI Alert): “BlackPOS” Malware Revisited

Visa highlights “BlackPOS” malware, a malicious payment card-stealing software targeting point-of-sale systems. “BlackPOS” collect payment card data in ways that are difficult to identify and detect. Visa experts explains how it works, its methods of communication and maintaining stealth, and provides indicators of compromise for detection and eradication.

PDF 629K

Dec 16, 2015

Multiple Malware Families Targeting Lodging Merchants

Visa has identified multiple malware families (“FindPOS”, “FrameworkPOS”, and “rawpos”) being used to target the lodging industry, including casinos and resorts. 

PDF 314K

Dec 08, 2015

Visa Custom Payment Service (CPS) – Rate options for electronic commerce retail merchants

Lists qualification criterial for custom payment service rates available to retail merchants in the electronic commerce space. Also provides information about key Visa products for validating the identity of cardholders.

PDF 405K

Dec 08, 2015

Visa Minimum U.S. Online Only Terminal Configuration

Information for U.S. merchants, acquirers, processors and terminal providers planning deployment of EMV chip terminals in the U.S.

PDF 1.2M

Dec 03, 2015

Webinar (PSI Alert): “Kuhook” Point of Sale Malware

Visa has identified a variation of malware (from the ModPOS malware family) targeting Point-of-Sale (POS) systems designed to run on Microsoft Windows. Codenamed “Kuhook,” the malware utilizes keylogger and memory scraping/parsing functionality. The malware is a sophisticated set of kernel mode device drivers written for the Windows XP platform and is compressed to make the source code and data unreadable.

PDF 160K

Nov 24, 2015

Authorization Reversals – The importance of providing the correct information

This flyer explains the importance of reversing authorizations properly and provides the required fields used in the reversal process.

PDF 324K

Nov 17, 2015

Strategies to Effectively Mitigate Fraud

Visa and CyberSource experts explore CNP risk methodologies to optimize the consumer experience and reduce false declines while minimizing fraud losses. Additionally, Visa tools such as CVV2, AVS, Verified by Visa – among others – were covered in great detail as well as CyberSource’s Decision Manager

PDF 2.06M

Nov 13, 2015

PSI Alert: Update – Cybercriminals Targeting Point of Sale Integrators

Updated data security alert highlighting attacks on point of sale integrators or resellers. This alert outlines attack vectors and mitigation strategies.

PDF 429K

Nov 13, 2015

Chargeback Management Guidelines for Visa Merchants

Managing chargebacks, cardholder disputes, copy requests, and chargeback reason codes

PDF 5.1M

Oct 29, 2015

New Small Merchant Data Security Requirements

Requirements for U.S. and Canada acquirers to ensure that their small merchants take steps to secure their point-of-sale (POS) environment. Merchants must use Qualified Integrators and Resellers (QIRs) and Level 4 merchants must validate PCI DSS compliance.

PDF 414K

Oct 21, 2015

Data Security Basics for Small Merchants

Valuable information for small merchants, including franchisees, highlighting the importance of protecting their customer's cardholder data, explaining the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards (DSS), and providing tools, solutions and strategies to use to help mitigate the risk of fraud and data breaches.

PDF 416K

Oct 21, 2015

Data Breach Findings and Mitigation Actions for the Payment System

Visa explores common security vulnerabilities identified in data breaches and provides mitigation strategies that help to strengthen those payment processing environments.

PDF 926K

Sep 21, 2015

Airline Industry Ancillary Transaction Data Standard - Improved recognition for airline transactions

This flyer describes options to help airline merchants provide additional information when posting ancillary transactions, such as baggage fees and on-board meals.

PDF 855K

Sep 11, 2015

Visa Prepayment Transactions - Pay Now and Get Later

Information relating to the prepayment of merchandise when it is not immediately available. Includes requirements relating to cardholder consent, merchant policy, and transaction receipts.

PDF 537K

Sep 02, 2015

The Importance of Containment and Remediation of Compromised Payment Processing Environments

Visa analyzes the underlying causes of recurring breaches and the downsides to "check the box" cyber incident response. Breach preparedness and incident response best practices are provided to help respond to a breach the right way.

PDF 615K

Aug 26, 2015 2015

2015 Visa Payment Security Symposium Recap

A summary of the 2015 Payment Security Symposium held August 12-13, 2015.

PDF 2.78M

Aug 25, 2015

Implement Effective Penetration Testing

The presentation deck of a panel of industry experts discussing the importance of effective penetration testing, including how to identify a tester and define the scope of a test.

PDF 547K

Aug 20, 2015

Windows Server 2003 End of Life

Microsoft will no longer support or issue security fixes for Windows Server 2003 after July 14, 2015. This poses a greater risk to the data security of a company utilizing Windows Server 2003. Furthermore, as of July 15, 2015 companies using this software may no longer be in compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

PDF 387K

Aug 18, 2015

Guaranteed Reservations for Merchants - Making It Easier to Do Business with Visa

This flyer identifies the merchant types that are now eligible to process guaranteed reservations and provides the rules that must be followed by reservation merchants.

PDF 891K

Aug 17, 2015

Strengthening Merchant Point-of-Sale (POS) Security

A checklist of best practices to protect your business from malicious remote access activity associated with unauthorized access to merchant Point-of-Sale (POS) environments via POS integrators.

PDF 90K

Aug 5, 2015

Payment Card Data and Protected Health Information Security Practices

Visa explores threats and security practices for protecting payment card data and personally identifiable information in the health care industry.

PDF 1.64M

Jul 22, 2015

Managing Network Segmentation in Payment Environments

Visa reviews how flat networks or networks without adequate network segmentation make it easy for an attacker to pivot and traverse the network after it has gained entry. Properly segmenting the network can greatly reduce PCI scope, controls, and costs. Also provided are recommendations, benefits and principles of network segmentation, and how to best defend against network threats and vulnerabilities.

PDF 1.15M

Jun 5, 2015

PSI Alert: Cybercriminals Targeting Point of Sale Integrators

Visa has observed a considerable increase in malicious remote access activity associated with unauthorized access to merchant Point-of-Sale (POS) environments via POS integrators.

PDF 519K

May 27, 2015

Effectively Managing Data Breaches

Learn about Visa’s investigation lifecycle and containment procedures to help minimize payment card fraud.

PDF 1M

May 26, 2015

5 Important Visa Rules That Every Merchant Should Know

This flyer informs merchants about key card acceptance procedures that will help them avoid being out of compliance with Visa rules.

PDF 601K

Apr 29, 2015

Identifying and Mitigating Threats to E-commerce Payment Processing

Visa explores threats observed in e-commerce payment processing systems, including merchants, web applications, and other internet-facing systems

PDF 1M

Apr 21, 2015

Visa Acceptance Guide for the Lodging Industry

Operational procedures and special services for hospitality and lodging professionals.

PDF 4.4M

Apr 15, 2015

Creating, Developing and Instituting an Effective Incident Response Plan

An incident response plan is crucial to responding to a data breach and further protect payment environments

PDF 1.1M

Mar 25, 2015

Breach Findings for Small Merchants

Data breach findings and mitigation action items for small merchants.

PDF 331K

Mar 05, 2015

Visa Optimizes Dispute Rules - New Avenues for Card Not Present Merchants

This document outlines changes to the dispute resolution rules concerning compelling evidence. The changes will be effective 17 October 2015

PDF 429K

Mar 01, 2015

PSI Alert: Carbanak (Anunak) Advanced Persistent Threat

Impact and mitigation of "Carbanak" malware

PDF 307K

Mar 01, 2015

PSI Alert: “Rawpos” Malware Targeting Lodging Merchants

The “rawpos” malware is a memory scraper infecting global lodging merchants.

PDF 1M

Feb 26, 2015

Third Party Risk Management Basics

Risk-focused guidelines on managing third party agents.

PDF 1.3M

Jan 28, 2015

Breach Findings for Large Merchants

Data breach findings and mitigation action items for large merchants.

PDF 592K

Dec 31, 2014

Retirement of Pre-PCI Attended POS PIN Entry Devices

Pre-PCI POS PEDS must be removed by May 5, 2010.

PDF 144K

Dec 1, 2014

Automated Fuel Dispenser Fraud Mitigation

Strategies for long-term risk management

PDF 707K

Oct 29, 2014

SSL 3.0 “POODLE” Vulnerability

Impact and mitigation of “POODLE” vulnerability

PDF 112K

Aug 20, 2014

North America Payment Card Security and Technology Symposium Recap

A review of the 2014 North America Payment Card Security Symposium.

PDF 447K

Aug 14, 2014

Fraudulent Credits Trend: ATM Reversals

Scheme using compromised merchant information to issue fraudulent credits with ATMs.

PDF 130K

Aug 14, 2014

Chip Payment Acceptance - Putting it Into Perspective for Small-Ticket Unattended Merchants

Common myths of accepting chip cards, and information on implementing chip acceptance for your business.

PDF 296K

Aug 14, 2014

Fraudulent Credits Trend: ATM Reversals

Scheme using compromised merchant information to issue fraudulent credits with ATMs.

PDF 130K

Aug 8, 2014

Upgrading Your Point-Of-Sale (POS) Infrastructure to Accept Chip Cards

Key points to discuss with your acquirer when determining the best options for upgrading terminals to accept chip cards.

PDF 667K

Aug 8, 2014

Tap Into the Power of EMV Chip Technology and Start Building Your Future Today

Reasons for the movement to chip technology in the U.S. and information on the migration strategy.

PDF 774K

Aug 8, 2014

Play it Smart With U.S. Chip Payment Transactions

T&E merchants: movement to chip technology in the U.S. and how chip cards are used with chip terminals during transactions

PDF 1.2M

Aug 5, 2014

Pharmaceutical Guidelines Overview

Guidelines for online merchants looking to sell pharmaceuticals.

PDF 1.5M

Aug 1, 2014

Optimize Your Cross-Border Ecommerce Payment Acceptance - Best practices for ensuring proper disclosures and improving the customer experience

Visa International ecommerce rules, foreign currency transactions, and cross-border payment disclosures and processing.

PDF 773K

Jul 31, 2014

U.S. CERT Advisory: Backoff Point of Sale Malware

U.S. CERT advisory of “Backoff” malware family targeting Point-of-Sale systems

PDF 967K

Jul 8, 2014

Improving Dispute Resolution for Merchants Globally

Upcoming changes to the dispute resolution process that will be effective for chargebacks processed on or after 18 April 2015

PDF 321K

Jul 1, 2014

Insecure Remote Access and User Credential Management

How to mitigate insecure remote access and user credential management.

PDF 143K

Jun 1, 2014

New Visa Brand Mark and Card Design Features

This guide illustrates the new Visa Brand Mark on Visa cards and new card design features.

PDF 257K

May 2, 2014

The Visa Payment Facilitator Model - A framework for merchant aggregation

Responsibilities and requirements for using the Payment Facilitator Model, and benefits for all parties involved in a transaction.

PDF 458K

Apr 8, 2014

Windows XP’s End of Life: Understanding the Risks and Impact to Point-of-Sale and Automated Teller Machines

Expiration of Windows XP support can negatively impact merchants.

PDF 444K

Apr 7, 2014

CPS/Card Not Present - Protect Your Business and Reduce Operating Costs

How mail and phone order merchants can qualify transactions for CPS, safeguard themselves, and lower operating costs.

PDF 525K

Apr 1, 2014

OpenSSL "Heartbleed" Vulnerability

Impact and mitigation of OpenSSL "Heartbleed" vulnerability.

PDF 116K

Mar 17, 2014

Processing Split-Shipment Card-Absent Transactions – Merchant Best Practices

Expanded use of multiple clearings for split-shipment card-absent transactions, and best practices for employing this process.

PDF 642K

Mar 6, 2014

Chewbacca Point-of-Sale (POS) Malware

Impact and mitigation of "Chewbacca" Point-of-Sale malware

PDF 129K

Feb 19, 2014

Preventing ATM Skimming (Spanish)

Spanish language guidelines to prevent ATM skimming.

PDF 1.9M

Feb 1, 2014

Retail Merchants Targeted by Memory-Parsing Malware - UPDATE

Updated alert involving memory-parsing malware

PDF 59K

Jan 10, 2014

Reducing Counterfeit Fraud Through Acceptance Best Practices

Counterfeit fraud prevention best practices and procedures for all U.S. acquirers and merchants.

PDF 3.1M

Jan 1, 2014

PCI SSC Resources for Merchants

What merchants need to know about the PCI Security Standards.

Jan 1, 2014

Visa's Global Registry of Service Providers

Looking for a validated Service Provider? Please review this list.

Jan 1, 2014

PCI SSC Data Security Standards Overview

The latest Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.

Jan 1, 2014

Visa Modifies Processing for Split-Shipment Card-Absent Transactions

Modifications made to processing card-absent transactions containing multiple items for a single order.

PDF 1.1M

Jan 1, 2014

Mitigating Large Merchant Data Breaches

Actionable items to help prevent merchant breaches.

PDF 4.38M

Jan 1, 2014

Approved Scanning Vendor Companies

The PCI SSC certified Approved Scanning Vendor listing.

Jan 1, 2014

Payment Application Security Assessor Companies

The PCI SSC certified Payment Application Qualified Security Assessor listing.

Jan 1, 2014

PCI SSC List of PA-DSS Validated Payment Applications

Payment application validated by the PCI SSC.

Jan 1, 2014

PCI SSC Resources for Merchants

What merchants need to know about the PCI Security Standards.

Jan 1, 2014

PCI SSC Data Security Standards Overview

The latest Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.

Jan 1, 2014

Qualified Security Assessor List

The PCI SSC certified Qualified Security Assessor listing.

Jan 1, 2014

Reducing Counterfeit Fraud Through Acceptance Best Practices

Proper card acceptance procedures can minimize counterfeit fraud transactions.

PDF 3M

Jan 1, 2014

Skimming is a Scam

A one-page guide that explains what card skimming is, how to spot it, and what to do in response.

PDF 225K

Jan 1, 2014

PCI Forensic Investigator (PFI) Program

The PCI SSC certified PCI Forensic Investigator listing.

Nov 14, 2013

Skimming and Fraud Protection for Petroleum Merchants

Data security and fraud protection best practices for petroleum merchants.

PDF 2.02M

Oct 16, 2013

Strengthening Processor Security

Best practices for securing cardholder data in a processing environment.

PDF 984K

Sep 18, 2013

Encryption and Tokenization: Protecting Customer Data

A primer on the secure technologies, encryption and tokenization.

PDF 1.71M

Sep 11, 2013

Visa Best Practices - Mobile Payments Acceptance Solutions v3.0

Best practices for merchants using mobile payment applications.

PDF 1.64M

Sep 1, 2013

Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) Program

Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) program–how it works and what qualification criteria must be met.

PDF 2.2M

Aug 28, 2013

Mitigating Large Merchant Breaches and Leveraging Technology to Secure the Future

Preventing merchant breaches and secure technology options.

PDF 638K

Aug 1, 2013

Retail Merchants Targeted by Memory-Parsing Malware - UPDATE

Updated alert involving memory-parsing malware.

PDF 48K

May 6, 2013

Maximize Point-of-Sale PIN-Entry Device Security

Retire all pre-PCI attended POS PEDs by 31 December 2014.

PDF 428K

Apr 24, 2013

Payment Processing Threats Impacting Grocery Store Merchants

An in-depth look on data security threats targeting grocery store merchants.

PDF 580K

Apr 11, 2013

Preventing Memory-Parsing Malware Attacks on Grocery Merchants

Memory-parsing malware targeting Point-of-Sales and back-of-house systems

PDF 331K

Apr 1, 2013

Visa Sets U.S. Acquirer Processor Mandate for Chip Transaction Processing

This document outlines changes to the dispute resolution rules concerning compelling evidence. The changes will be effective 17 October 2015.

PDF 29K

Mar 14, 2013

Digital Wallet Guidelines for Merchants

Integration guidance for merchants utilizing digital wallets.

PDF 44K

Feb 13, 2013

Merchant PIN Security Compromise Trends and Best Practices (English)

English language presentation on PIN focused hacker attacks.

PDF 1.25M

Feb 12, 2013

Merchant PIN Security Compromise Trends and Best Practices (Spanish)

Spanish language presentation on PIN focused hacker attacks.

PDF 1.67M

Feb 6, 2013

Visa Data Security Program - Keeping Cardholder Data Safe

Outline of Visa's data security compliance programs.

PDF 56K

Feb 5, 2013

Protect Your Merchant Terminals From Illegal Tampering

Keep your Point-of-Sale terminals safe from fraudsters.

PDF 768K

Jan 1, 2013

Minimum Transaction Amount on a Visa Credit Card

Information to review before setting minimum transaction amounts on Visa card payments, with best practices for sales staff.

PDF 291K

Jan 1, 2013

Mobile Evolution Securing the Next Wave of Payment Innovation – Hospitality Upgrade

Best practices for hoteliers considering accepting mobile payments.

PDF 1.15M

Jan 1, 2013

Play It Smart with U.S. Chip Payment Transactions

Chip card acceptance for hotel, car rental, and restaurant merchants, with quick reference chart.

PDF 685K

Jan 1, 2013

Security Options to Future-proof Merchant Investments – Hospitality Upgrade

Invest in secure technologies to future proof hospitality payment systems.

PDF 1.08M

Jan 1, 2013

Visa Travelers Cheques Acceptance Guidelines

Guidelines for accepting Visa travelers cheques.

PDF 611K

Jan 1, 2013

Common Payment Card Security Myths Dispelled – Hospitality Upgrade

Three common payment card misconceptions in the hospitality industry.

PDF 4.13M

Jan 1, 2013

E-Commerce Merchants' Guide to Risk Management

Maintaining safe online transactions, including risk management, chargebacks, and fraud prevention advice.

PDF 4.1M

Jan 1, 2013

Visa PIN Entry Device Requirements

Find out about Visa's PED program requirements

PDF 249K

September 16, 2013

Dynamic Cardholder Verification Method Best Practices

This document provides guidance for issuers that plan to develop or use a third-party dynamic Cardholder Verification Method (CVM) service to authenticate their cardholders. Dynamic CVMs, such as One-Time Passcodes (OTP), are becoming more prevalent for on-line banking and e-commerce transactions as financial institutions aim to strengthen their customer authentication capabilities. Visa developed the following dynamic CVM best practices for issuers to consider and assess the security features of these solutions.

PDF 36 KB

August 24, 2012

Data Security Tips for Small e-Commerce Businesses

Visa Data Security: Tips and Tools for Small e-Commerce Businesses

PDF 1.7 MB

August 24, 2012

Data Security Tips for Retailers

Quick tips and security steps to ensure your customer’s information is safe.

PDF 102 KB

April 28, 2011

Visa Best Practices for Payment Application Integrators and Resellers

Recent data compromises have demonstrated the need for third party payment application integrators and resellers to maintain security processes that go beyond providing software that is compliant with the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS).

Visa shares best practices to help defend against poor implementation, maintenance and support processes that have led to merchant and agent data compromises. Visa advises acquirers, merchants, agents and payment application vendors to contact their licensed integrators and resellers, and insist that these best practices be immediately adopted. Merchants and agents should also consider including these best practices as a condition of their service level agreements with third party integrators and resellers.

PDF 60 KB

March 31, 2011

Issuers’ Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Frequently Asked Questions

This frequently asked questions (FAQ) document provides guidance for issuers and the ATM environment on Visa-specific programs that mandate compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards.

PDF 43KB

August 24, 2010

Visa Top 10 Best Practices for Payment Application Companies, Version 1.0

Recent payment card data compromises have demonstrated the critical need for payment application companies to maintain mature software processes for their customers that go beyond Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) compliant software. Acquirers, merchants and agents should review Visa’s best practices and insist that their payment application vendors, integrators and resellers fully adopt these practices

PDF 60 KB

July 14, 2010

Visa Best Practices for Tokenization Version 1.0

In October 2009, Visa published the Visa Best Practices for Data Field Encryption to promote the proper encryption of sensitive card data that is transmitted, processed or stored by stakeholders throughout the payment system. As part of these best practices, Visa recommended that entities use tokens (such as a transaction ID or a surrogate value) to replace the Primary Account Number (PAN) for use in payment-related and ancillary business functions. Tokenization can be implemented in isolation or in concert with data field encryption to help merchants eliminate the need to store sensitive cardholder data after authorization. Entities that properly implement and execute a tokenization process to support their payment functions may be able to reduce the scope, risks and costs associated with ongoing compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

PDF 50 KB

July 14, 2010

Visa Best Practices for Primary Account Number Storage and Truncation

To reinforce its commitment to protecting consumers, merchants, and the overall payment system, Visa is pursuing a global security objective that will enable merchants to eliminate the storage of full PAN and expiration date information from their payment systems when not needed for specific business reasons. To ensure consistency in PAN truncation methods, Visa has developed a list of best practices to be used until any new global rules go into effect.

PDF 39 KB

June 16, 2010

Visa Introduces Corporate Franchise Servicer as a New Third Party Agent Category

orporate Franchise Servicer entities operate in a number of merchant segments, including lodging and food service. In an effort to address the increasing threat of data compromises that affect franchise businesses, effective immediately, Visa will extend the Third Party Agent Program to include a new category of agents, called “Corporate Franchise Servicers.” Corporate Franchise Servicers (CFS) operates in a number of merchant segments, including food service and lodging. The inclusion of Corporate Franchise Servicer agents in the Visa Third Party Agent Program will help ensure that Corporate Franchise Servicer agents protect card data by at a minimum complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

PDF 41 KB

June 11, 2010

Data Security Small Merchant Tips

Visa Data Security: Tips and Tools for Small Merchant Businesses

PDF 538 KB

October 5 , 2009

Visa Best Practices for Data Field Encryption

Visa shares best practices for data field encryption to protect cardholder data and sensitive authentication data.

PDF 52 KB

April 22, 2009

Primary Account Number Truncation on Cardholder Statements

It is common practice for some card issuers to print the full PAN on each page of a cardholder’s billing statement; however, Visa strongly recommends that, as a “best practice,” issuers truncate or eliminate the printing of the cardholder PAN on billing statements and other cardholder communications.

PDF 29 KB