What is it?
The Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) is a document used as a validation tool by credit card merchants and service providers to demonstrate compliance with PCI (Payment Card Industry) security standard requirements. It is to be completed annually by each merchant and reviews such aspects of compliance as record storage and retention, appropriate operating procedures and reviews, including safe measures for accepting card data, and hardware and software protocols.
Why is it important?
In order to ensure a secure environment for processing credit card payments, the network of credit card providers requires the University to maintain a certain level of PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance to a set of data security standards. This helps to protect the University and our customers from system breaches and other forms of credit card fraud.
Where do I find more information?
- The Assistant Manager, Business Operations will assess which SAQ is appropriate for a merchant (e.g. web-based service versus point of sale terminal) and will also coordinate the annual review.
- Additional information on Payment Card Industry (PCI) requirements can be found at: Credit Cards and PCI Compliance.