PCI DSS

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

A set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. It was developed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), which major credit card brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.

PCI DSS Key Points

1. Applicability: PCI DSS applies to any entity that handles credit card information, whether it accepts payments or stores, processes, and transmits card data.
2. Compliance Levels: Different levels of PCI DSS compliance are based on the number of transactions an organization processes annually. The larger the volume of transactions, the more rigorous the compliance requirements.
3. 12 Core Requirements: PCI DSS outlines 12 specific requirements for organizations to protect cardholder data:
   • Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data.
   • Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.
   • Protect stored cardholder data by implementing encryption and other techniques.
   • Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.
   • Use and regularly update anti-virus software or programs.
   • Develop and maintain secure systems and applications with timely updates and patches.
   • Restrict access to cardholder data based on a need-to-know basis.
   • Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access to ensure accountability.
   • Restrict physical access to cardholder data.
   • Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.
   • Regularly test security systems and processes to identify vulnerabilities.
   • Maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel.
4. Regular Audits and Penalties: Organizations must regularly assess their compliance with PCI DSS through internal or third-party audits. Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or the loss of the ability to process card payments.
5. Scope: PCI DSS covers the entire payment processing lifecycle, including the hardware, software, personnel, and networks handling cardholder data.
6. Evolving Requirements: PCI DSS evolves to address new security threats and technologies, making it necessary for businesses to stay updated on the latest standard versions.

PCI DSS is critical for maintaining customer trust and avoiding costly data breaches. Following the standards helps businesses protect sensitive payment data and reduce the risk of fraud.

• Abbreviation: PCI DSS