The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)—which was developed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) created by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB—is an extensive set of technical and operational standards that a company needs to follow to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
There are many stringent requirements, including but not limited to:
PCI DSS has six major objectives, 12 key requirements, 78 base requirements, and over 400 test procedures. Click here for more information.
When a business is PCI-compliant, it means that that the business reviews and follows the guidelines set forth by the credit card companies to help ensure your credit card information is protected and your personal information is secure.

Concordia University in Austin, Texas was founded as a high school in 1926 and is now a privately held liberal arts university. Concordia is affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and is a part of the nationwide Concordia University System.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It provides multiple degrees at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The university aims to foster a quest for life-long learning in its students, based on values like care for others, courage, and trust.
Approximately 2,500 students enrolled in the university in the previous season, with 65% of them being women. The student to faculty ratio is 12:1, and 100% of the incoming students receive financial aid from the university.
There are four schools within the University – College of Business and Communication, College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Health Sciences. Some of the undergraduate and graduate degree programs on offer are:
The curriculum of all the programs is based on a mix of classroom lectures and hands-on application outside of the classroom. A small class size ensures that the students are fully engaged in the learning process and are able to receive one-on-one assistance when necessary.
Austin ranks as the 8th safest city in the US with considerably low crime rates. International students need not be worried about their safety from possible criminal activities here as long as they simply avoid certain crime-prone neighborhoods like Montopolis.
The state of Texas is prone to certain natural risks like flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Be on your guard when you are outdoors and take precautions against hostile wildlife like snakes, alligators, and tarantulas.
Should you need access to healthcare facilities in the US, be prepared to pay a substantial amount of money. Medical treatment is quite costly in the States. That’s why it’s advisable that you buy health insurance before joining the university.
The university requires all of its students to be covered under health insurance, so it’s a mandate that you would need to comply with as an international student.
You might fall sick during your stay at the university, or suffer from some other physical mishap. If you need medical care, it might be a financial burden on you. With insurance in place, you can be protected against financial loss and stress.
There are multiple health insurance providers for international students. Do your research on all of the available options so that you choose the best medical insurance for international students in the U.S.
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