NEW YORK -- For the second year in a row, a Verizon report has found that too many businesses are struggling to comply with payment card security standards, putting consumers’ confidential information at risk.

According to the Verizon Payment Card Industry Compliance Report, most businesses that accept credit or debit cards, or both, continue to struggle to achieve and maintain compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). As a result, they are at greater risk of losing confidential customer information and falling victim to credit-card fraud.

Businesses are failing to maintain compliance even though they face steep penalties, including fines and increased transaction fees from the credit card brands. Businesses also now face pressure from their partners and customers to demonstrate continued compliance.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)