PCI Security Standards
In the words of the PCI Security Council:
From the world’s largest corporations to small Internet stores, compliance with the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is vital for all merchants who accept credit cards, online or offline … the size of your business will determine the specific compliance requirements that must be met. Note that enforcement of merchant compliance is managed by the individual payment brands and not by the Council – the same is true for non-compliance penalties.
Small Merchants: You must secure cardholder data to meet Payment Card Industry rules! Small merchants are prime targets for data thieves. It’s your job to protect cardholder data at the point-of-sale. If cardholder data is stolen – and it’s your fault – you could incur fines, penalties, even termination of the right to accept payment cards!
Article from CIO Magazine: Australia lagging in data security compliance: PCI Security Standards Council
