With encryption, sensitive data – like a payment card number or account number – is altered so that it is indecipherable to any parties that don’t have the correct encryption key. Unlike encryption, which is reversible with the right key or machine that’s strong enough to crack the encryption algorithm, data tokenization is irreversible.

Instead of hiding the original data with a complex puzzle (how encryption works), the tokenization solution swaps out data and replaces it with a placeholder that has no inherent value in itself. The original sensitive data, which is securely kept in a separate location, can’t be retrieved without the secure tokenization platform. Even if cybercriminals get their hands on your tokens, the tokenized data would be useless to them.

Yes, tokenization solutions are safer than encryption when it comes to protecting sensitive credit card data, like credit card numbers. For an in-depth explanation of why data tokenization is more secure than data encryption, see our blog post.

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a worldwide standard for the secure handling of payment card data, first crafted by the major payment card brands in order to help prevent payment card fraud and protect cardholder data. Compliance is achieved after businesses verifiably fulfill all PCI DSS requirements, which is obligatory for all entities that handle consumer credit card data.

Payment tokenization solutions are approved for use toward PCI Compliance, and we offer tokenization for small business models and enterprise business models to do just that. The VGS Tokenization solution can be a valuable part of your data security posture and PCI Compliance program. If you are looking for a solution that takes your business out of PCI Compliance scope we can help too. The VGS standard solution provides the only end-to-end solution, shifting the burden and risk from your business to VGS. Contact sales to learn more.

Yes. Here is a link to the product documentations (here)