Managed services operator The Bunker Secure Hosting Ltd said it achieved Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) compliance, the internationally-recognised industry standard for payment account data security.

PCI DSS is viewed by the payment card industry as the de facto security requirement for organisations that store, process or transmit cardholder details. The PCI DSS is a multifaceted security standard that requires applicants to demonstrate competencies in security management, policies, procedures, network architecture and software design.

The core elements of PCI DSS are:
- Build and maintain a secure network
- Protect Cardholder Data
- Maintain a Vulnerability Management Programme
- Implement Strong Access Control Measures
- Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
- Maintain an Information Security Policy

To achieve PCI DSS accreditation The Bunker worked with Visa and MasterCard approved security assessor ESCS Ltd. "Achieving PCI DSS compliance demonstrates to our customers, suppliers, staff and investors that our data centres meet the most stringent of security requirements," commented Peregrine Newton, CEO, The Bunker. "The continued expansion of e-commerce has seen a rapid rise in online card transactions and it is important that our customers are confident that The Bunker reaches and surpasses the highest industry standards in protecting cardholder data. The Bunker is already ISO 27001 accredited;by becoming PCI DSS compliant we continue to support our customers high security demands and free them to focus on their core business."

Meanwhile colo player Advantage Interactive is offering a month's free colo at its £2 million site in Hertfordshire, north of London.