A set of security requirements created by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to ensure that software applications that process, store, or transmit cardholder data are secure and do not compromise payment card information. It applies specifically to vendors and developers who create payment applications that are sold, distributed, or licensed to third parties.
PA-DSS Key Points
- Purpose: PA-DSS aims to help software developers and vendors develop secure payment applications that protect cardholder data and support PCI DSS compliance for merchants using these applications.
- Scope: PA-DSS is focused on payment applications that store, process, or transmit cardholder data as part of completing a payment transaction. It ensures that these applications do not store sensitive data such as full magnetic stripe data, CVV2 (the three- or four-digit security code), or PIN data.
- Compliance for Vendors: Software vendors who want to sell their payment applications to merchants or other businesses must ensure their products comply with PA-DSS guidelines. PA-DSS validation helps merchants and service providers using these applications remain PCI DSS compliant.
- 12 Core Requirements: PA-DSS outlines 12 key requirements for software developers and vendors to follow, mirroring the structure of PCI DSS. These include secure software design, protecting stored cardholder data, ensuring secure transmission of payment data, and implementing strong access controls within the application.
- Validation Process: Payment applications must undergo a validation process by a Payment Application Qualified Security Assessor (PA-QSA) to confirm that they meet PA-DSS standards. Once validated, the application is listed on the PCI SSC website as a PA-DSS compliant product.
- End-of-Life: With the evolution of PCI DSS, the PA-DSS standard was replaced by the PCI Software Security Framework (SSF). As of October 2022, PA-DSS is no longer updated or validated, and vendors are encouraged to transition to the SSF, which offers more comprehensive security for modern payment software environments.
Benefits of PA-DSS for Businesses:
- Helps maintain PCI DSS compliance when using third-party payment applications.
- Reduces the risk of data breaches by ensuring secure payment application development.
- Provides confidence that payment applications meet industry standards for data security.
PA-DSS, though now replaced by the PCI SSF, played a critical role in ensuring secure payment software for businesses and reducing the risk of cardholder data exposure.
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