How should organizations handle credit card information in email?

Organizations should adhere to strict guidelines when handling credit card information, particularly in electronic communications such as email. Sending credit card information via email is inherently risky due to the potential for interception, unauthorized access, and breaches.

Handling this sensitive data with care is crucial to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements, which specify that cardholder data must be protected at all times. Although encryption can provide a layer of security, it is not considered an acceptable method for sending credit card information through email. This is because email can still be subject to vulnerabilities that compromise security even when encrypted.

Therefore, the correct stance is that credit card information should never be sent via email without encryption, highlighting the importance of securing sensitive data through more secure channels altogether or minimizing the use of email for this purpose. Utilizing methods like secure payment portals or encrypted communication channels is advised to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of card information.