Ensuring Payment Security: How Our System Safeguards Your Financial Information

3 mins read - Created on Jan 16, 2022

At Kimola Cognitive, we prioritize the security and integrity of payment transactions to ensure the confidentiality and protection of our clients' financial information. Our commitment to payment security encompasses stringent measures and adherence to industry standards, including compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) of our payment system.

We recognize the importance of safeguarding sensitive payment data and employ robust encryption protocols and secure transmission methods to prevent unauthorized access or interception of payment information during transmission.

To further enhance the security of payment processing, we have partnered with Stripe, one of the most secure payment systems in the world. Stripe is renowned for its advanced security features, including encryption, tokenization, and fraud detection mechanisms, which provide an additional layer of protection for payment transactions.

PCI DSS: Overview

PCI DSS, or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, serves as the global security benchmark for entities involved in the storage, processing, or transmission of cardholder data and sensitive authentication data. It establishes a foundational level of protection for consumers and plays a crucial role in mitigating fraud and data breaches throughout the payment ecosystem. PCI DSS compliance is mandatory for any organization that accepts or processes payment cards.

The compliance framework of PCI DSS encompasses three primary components:

  • Secure Handling of Credit Card Data: This involves ensuring that sensitive card details collected from customers are transmitted securely to prevent unauthorized access or interception.
  • Secure Data Storage: PCI DSS outlines 12 security domains, including encryption, continuous monitoring, and security testing, to ensure the secure storage of data. Compliance requires adherence to these standards to safeguard cardholder information effectively.
  • Annual Validation of Security Controls: Organizations must validate the presence of required security controls annually. This validation process may involve forms, questionnaires, external vulnerability scanning services, and third-party audits to ensure compliance with PCI DSS requirements.

PCI Certification:
Stripe holds PCI Service Provider Level 1 certification, the highest level of certification in the payments industry, ensuring secure handling of cardholder data and integration code.

SOC Reports:

Regular SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type II audits validate the security, processes, and controls of Stripe's systems, with reports available upon request.

EMVCo Standards:

Stripe Terminal meets EMVCo Level 1 and 2 standards, along with PCI Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS), ensuring secure card and terminal security.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework Alignment:

Stripe's security policies align with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, meeting enterprise standards for secure products and services.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

Stripe supports various MFA methods like SMS, TOTP, U2F, and SAML 2.0 for enhanced user authentication and access control.

HTTPS and HSTS:

All Stripe services use HTTPS with TLS (SSL) encryption and HSTS to ensure secure connections and protect against homoglyph attacks.

Proactive Monitoring:

Stripe monitors the internet for merchant API key compromises, takes proactive action, and collaborates with vendors to address phishing threats.
Infrastructure Safeguards: Regular vulnerability scanning, penetration tests, and infrastructure upgrades ensure robust security. Servers are replaced automatically to maintain health and security.

Dedicated Card Technology:

Stripe encrypts card data in transit and at rest, using AES-256 encryption and tokenization. Dedicated infrastructure and restricted access protect sensitive cardholder information.
These measures collectively ensure that Stripe maintains a high level of security and compliance, safeguarding user data and maintaining trust in its services.

Learn more about security standards of Stripe.