SPSP Code of Ethics

To whom does the code apply?

The code applies to all members of the SPSP.   Additionally, the code will apply to all non-members that either hold a certification offered by the SPSP or serve the Society in a volunteer capacity. 

What is the purpose of the code?

The code is written with the goal of describing the level of professionalism and ethical behavior that Payment Security Professionals™ expect of themselves and their colleagues.  By adhering to the code Payment Security Professionals™ can advance themselves and help the profession evolve.    The Code of Ethics cannot guarantee ethical behavior, nor can it describe or resolve every ethical issue that may arise.  However, it can set a baseline of behavior by which the decisions and actions of individuals can be measured. 

What are the basic ethical values encompassed by the Code?

The following broad ethical principles are the foundation for the code of ethics:  Honesty, Responsibility, Fairness, Respect, and Professional Competence. These five ideals represent the pillars of the Code and the goals to which all Payment Security Professionals™ should aspire.

What is the SPSP Code of Ethics?

Honesty - Members of the Society of Payment Security Professionals will be truthful and forthright in all professional dealings.  All members of the SPSP will honor their professional commitments, both explicit and implied.   Examples of honest behavior include:

• Being truthful in all communications.
• Always make commitments in good faith, whether they are implied or explicit. 
• Encourage others to be honest and truthful.
• Do not condone or encourage others to be dishonest or deceptive.
• Eschew manipulative and fear-based tactics to sell product or services. 

Responsibility - All members of the SPSP must take ownership for their decisions and actions, and the consequences.  For example:

• Accept only those engagements for which you have the requisite experience, education, and skills.
• Maintain an awareness and understanding of the laws, regulations and standards that dictate the business and your role in it. 
• Do not disclose any confidential or proprietary information with which you are trusted.
• Take ownerships for any errors or omissions in your work and the ramifications of those errors or omissions. 
• Report any unethical or illegal behavior. 

Fairness - Members will not make decisions or offer advice based on self-interest, prejudice or favoritism.  All decisions will be based on impartial, objective judgment in the best interest of the client or the company. 

• Employ a transparent decision making process.
• Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest in your professional conduct. If a conflict of interest may occur, the Payment Security Professional must disclose it as soon as it becomes evident and remove themselves from the situation.
• Constantly re-evaluate decisions and actions, and if necessary take corrective actions to ensure impartiality and objectivity. 

Respect - Members of the SPSP will show a high level of regard for our clients, our companies, our colleagues and ourselves.  Demonstrations of respect include the following:

• Negotiate in good faith
• Respect the positions, properties, and rights of others.
• Refrain from the use of your position or expertise to influence the decisions or actions of others in order to gain personal benefit. 
• Always conduct all interactions with colleagues, clients and others in a professional manner. If there is a conflict, Payment Security Professionals will directly seek out the persons with whom the conflict exists to address it. 

Professional Competence - Payment Security Professionals™ will answer questions and offer advice that is in the best interest of their clients at all times.  They will make all reasonable effort to stay apprised of changes to the industry and the practice of information security in order to offer the best possible guidance to their clients and to represent their own organization to the best of their ability. 

• All Payment Security Professionals™ will keep current with their field of expertise through professional practice, participating in continuing education, dialogue with other professionals in the field and attending relevant seminars and conferences.