What is the Difference Between Validated vs. Non-Validated Point-to-Point Encryption?

Point-to-point encryption (P2PE) is a data security measure that encrypts data as it travels between two points, such as from a card reader to a payment processor. The purpose of P2PE is to prevent data breaches by making it impossible for hackers to read the data as it is being transmitted.

P2PE can be either validated or non-validated. Validated P2PE solutions have been rigorously tested by an independent organization and found to meet certain security standards. Non-validated P2PE solutions have not undergone this same level of testing.

While both types of P2PE can provide data security, validated P2PE solutions are generally considered to be more secure. This is because the validation process provides an extra level of assurance that the P2PE solution is effective at preventing data breaches.

Non-validated P2PE solutions have not undergone the same rigorous testing as validated P2PE solutions. This means that there is no guarantee that they are effective at preventing data breaches. However, non-validated P2PE solutions may still be suitable for some businesses.

The main difference between validated and non-validated point-to-point encryption is that validated P2PE solutions have been rigorously tested by an independent organization, while non-validated P2PE solutions have not. Validated P2PE solutions are generally considered to be more secure, as the validation process provides an extra level of assurance that the P2PE solution is effective.

What is a PCI-Validated P2PE Solution?

PCI-validated P2PE solutions are those that have been tested and found to meet the security requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The PCI DSS is a set of security standards that businesses must comply with if they accept credit card payments.

In order to be validated, a P2PE solution must pass a series of tests conducted by an independent organization. These tests assess the security of the P2PE solution and its ability to protect data.

PCI-validated P2PE solutions are considered to be more secure than non-validated P2PE solutions, as they have been independently tested and found to meet certain security standards.

What are the Benefits of Validated P2PE Solutions?

There are several benefits of using validated P2PE solutions, including:

Improved data security: Validated P2PE solutions have been rigorously tested and found to be effective at preventing data breaches. This means that businesses can have confidence that their data is safe when using a validated P2PE solution.

Reduced PCI compliance costs: businesses that use validated P2PE solutions can benefit from reduced PCI compliance costs. This is because they may be eligible for certain PCI DSS compliance exemptions.

Improved customer confidence: businesses that use validated P2PE solutions can improve customer confidence by demonstrating that they take data security seriously.

What are the Drawbacks of Validated P2PE Solutions?

There are a few potential drawbacks of using validated P2PE solutions, including:

• Higher cost: Validated P2PE solutions can be more expensive than non-validated solutions, as they require investment in order to undergo the validation process.
• Potential for false positives: In some cases, validated P2PE solutions may generate false positives – that is, they may flag data as being at risk when it is actually safe. This can lead to increased costs and inconvenience for businesses.

How to Choose a Validated P2PE Solution

When choosing a validated P2PE solution, businesses should consider a few factors, including:

• The types of transactions they need to process: businesses should choose a P2PE solution that is capable of processing the types of transactions they need to. For example, if a business needs to process ecommerce transactions, they will need a different P2PE solution than one that only processes in-person payments.
• The level of security they need: businesses should choose a P2PE solution that offers the level of security they need. For example, if a business is handling sensitive data, they will need a more secure P2PE solution than one that is only processing low-risk transactions.
• The cost: businesses should consider the cost of the P2PE solution, as well as the costs associated with PCI compliance.

The level of customer support: businesses should choose a P2PE solution that offers the level of customer support they need. For example, if a business is not familiar with P2PE solutions, they will need a provider that offers more support than one that is more experienced.

Validated P2PE solutions can offer a number of benefits for businesses, including improved data security, reduced PCI compliance costs, and improved customer confidence. However, there are also some potential drawbacks, such as higher cost and potential for false positives. When choosing a validated P2PE solution, businesses should consider the types of transactions they need to process, the level of security they need, the cost, and the level of customer support.