What Is PCI DSS? | How To Process PCI DSS Compliance Checklist | Best 12 Requirements For PCI DSS

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is what PCI DSS stands for. This standard is a collection of security requirements created to make sure that all businesses that take, handle, store, or transmit credit card information do so in a secure setting. The major payment card companies founded the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), which is responsible for creating and maintaining the PCI-DSS (e.g., Mastercard, American Express, Visa, Discover, etc.). No matter the size or volume of transactions, the PCI DSS is applicable to any company that receives, handles, maintains, or transmits cardholder data.

Table of Contents

The PCI DSS consists of a set of rules that enterprises must adhere to in order to securely handle credit card data, and it is created to defend against the theft of credit card information. These criteria address topics including data protection, access control, incident response, and network and system security. The payment card brands often demand PCI-DSS compliance as a prerequisite for businesses taking credit card payments.

What are the 4 things that PCI DSS covers?

The PCI DSS addresses four key topics:

Build and maintain a secure network: Create and maintain a secure network, which calls for the use of anti-virus software and the installation and upkeep of a firewall (or Web application firewall, or WAF) configuration to safeguard cardholder data.
Protect cardholder data: This entails specifications for safeguarding data both during storage and during transfer, like encrypting data sent over open networks.
Maintain a vulnerability management program: which entails frequent testing and upkeep of applications and systems to find and address vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access control measures: Implement robust access control methods, such as requiring special user IDs and passwords, and frequent monitoring and testing of access control systems, to control access to cardholder data.

Generally speaking, the PCI-DSS is made to make sure that businesses have the proper safeguards in place to guard against credit card data theft and to maintain the security and integrity of their systems and networks.

PCI DSS certification

Organizations can show their compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard through the PCI DSS certification procedure (PCI-DSS). A qualified security assessor (QSA) will analyze the organization’s policies, procedures, and technical controls to make sure they comply with the PCI DSS criteria before certifying the organization’s systems and processes.

An organization must demonstrate that it has implemented all relevant controls and procedures in order to obtain PCI-DSS certification. This may entail setting up policies and processes for managing credit card data, training staff on security best practices, and putting technical measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption into place.

After obtaining PCI-DSS certification, a company is often obliged to maintain compliance with the standard on an ongoing basis by undertaking periodic assessments and informing the payment card brands of its compliance status.

PCI DSS requirements

A collection of regulations known as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is intended to make sure that businesses that receive, handle, store, or transfer credit card information maintain a secure setting. The six primary “control objectives” and the 12 corresponding standards make up the PCI-DSS.

The following are the PCI-six DSS’s control goals:

Build and maintain a secure network: This includes requirements for installing and maintaining a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data, and for using and regularly updating anti-virus software.
Protect cardholder data: This includes requirements for protecting data both in storage and in transit, such as encrypting data transmitted over public networks.
Maintain a vulnerability management program: This includes requirements for regularly testing and maintaining systems and applications to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access control measures: This includes requirements for controlling access to cardholder data, such as requiring unique user IDs and passwords, and regularly monitoring and testing access control systems.
Regularly monitor and test networks: This includes requirements for regularly monitoring and testing networks to identify and prevent unauthorized access or attacks.
Maintain an information security policy: This includes requirements for establishing and maintaining an information security policy, as well as training employees on security best practices.

PCI DSS compliance checklist

Here is a general PCI DSS compliance checklist:

Installing and maintaining firewall configuration to safeguard cardholder data.
Never use vendor-given defaults for system passwords and any other security parameters.
Protect stored cardholder data in a secure manner.
Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks or hybrid also.
Regularly update and use genuine anti-virus software.
Develop and maintain secure systems and applications for ensuring the safety of data.
Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know through a proper access matrix in place.
Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access that should not be missed.
Restrict physical access to cardholder data in a secure place by access restriction.
Tracking and monitoring mechanisms are in place for all access to network resources and cardholder data.
Regularly test security systems and processes, through mock drills and actual drills at regular intervals.
Maintain a policy that addresses information security through industry-benchmarked standards.

This checklist is a general guide and is not exhaustive. It is important to carefully review the PCI DSS requirements and to work with a qualified security assessor (QSA) to ensure that your organization is compliant with the standard.

PCI DSS 4.0

The most recent version of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is PCI DSS 4.0. (PCI-DSS). A set of security guidelines called PCI-DSS was created to make sure that all businesses that accept, handle, store, or transmit credit card information do so in a safe environment. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), a group founded by major payment card brands, is responsible for creating and maintaining the PCI-DSS (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover).

The PCI DSS 4.0 standard, which was launched in April 2021, has undergone a number of improvements and modifications from earlier iterations. Among the significant modifications in PCI-DSS 4.0 are:

A revised focus on risk management: PCI-DSS 4.0 places a stronger emphasis on risk management, including the need for organizations to assess their own risk profile and implement controls that are appropriate for their specific risk level.
New requirements for software updates and patches: PCI-DSS 4.0 includes new requirements for organizations to ensure that their software is kept up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.
New guidance on multi-factor authentication: PCI-DSS 4.0 includes new guidance on the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect against unauthorized access to cardholder data.
Updated requirements for secure software development: PCI DSS 4.0 includes updated requirements for secure software development, including the need to implement secure coding practices and perform regular code reviews.

In general, PCI-DSS 4.0 is made to assist businesses in preventing the theft of credit card data and preserving the security and reliability of their networks and systems.

PCI DSS cyber security

In order to ensure that all businesses that receive, handle, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment for preserving the data, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was created. Therefore, PCI-DSS is a crucial component of a company’s entire cybersecurity strategy.

The PCI DSS includes sections on network and system security, data protection, access control, and incident response. These topics are all connected to cyber security (or cloud security). Organizations must adopt a range of technical and operational controls to prevent the theft of credit card information and to uphold the security and integrity of their systems and networks in order to be in compliance with PCI DSS.

Among the important cyber security precautions mandated by PCI-DSS are:

Installing and maintaining a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
Using and regularly updating anti-virus applications and software
Protecting stored cardholder data for data security
Encrypting the transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks
Developing and maintaining secure applications and systems
Implementing strong access control measures, including unique user IDs and passwords
Regularly monitoring and testing networks to identify and prevent unauthorized access or attacks
Maintaining an information security policy and training employees on security best practices

In general, PCI DSS is a critical standard for businesses handling credit card data, and it is created to assist guard against cyber attacks and uphold the security and integrity of networks and systems.

PCI DSS form

Organizations may be required to complete a number of forms to show compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Depending on an organization’s size, the type of cardholder data it processes, and other circumstances, different forms may be required.

For PCI DSS compliance, some forms that might be needed include:

Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ): The SAQ is a tool that organizations can use to assess their own compliance with PCI-DSS. There are several different versions of the SAQ, each of which is designed for a specific type of organization (e.g., merchants, service providers, etc.).
Attestation of Compliance (AOC): The AOC is a form that organizations can use to certify that they are compliant with PCI DSS. The AOC must be completed by a designated representative of the organization, such as the CEO or CFO.
Report on Compliance (ROC): The ROC is a detailed report that is prepared by a qualified security assessor (QSA) following an on-site assessment of an organization’s compliance with PCI-DSS. The ROC includes a detailed assessment of the organization’s controls and processes, as well as any recommendations for improvement.
Annual Report on Compliance (AROC): The AROC is a report that is prepared by an organization on an annual basis to demonstrate its ongoing compliance with PCI DSS. The AROC must be completed by a designated representative of the organization and must be submitted to the payment card brands.

The PCI-DSS regulations must be carefully reviewed by enterprises, and they must engage with a QSA to make sure they are submitting the right paperwork and proving compliance with the standard.

PCI DSS standards

All businesses that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security guidelines. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), a group founded by the largest payment card brands, is responsible for creating and maintaining the PCI-DSS (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover).

To handle credit card data securely, enterprises must adhere to the PCI DSS’s set of guidelines. These requirements include the following areas:

Network and system security: PCI-DSS mandates that businesses take steps to prevent unwanted access to their networks and systems. Examples of these steps include the installation and upkeep of firewalls and the use of antivirus software.
Data protection: PCI-DSS mandates that businesses safeguard cardholder data during both storage and transmission, for example, by encrypting information sent over open networks.
Access control: To guarantee that only authorized persons have access to cardholder data, PCI-DSS mandates that enterprises employ robust access control procedures. As an example, this can entail needing special user IDs and passwords as well as routinely checking and testing access control systems.
Incident response: Organizations are required by PCI-DSS to have a plan in place to handle security incidents and to notify the proper parties of any such incidents.

PCI DSS 3.2.1

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) version 3.2.1 is available (PCI-DSS). In order to ensure that all businesses that accept, handle, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a safe environment, PCI-DSS is a set of security requirements. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), a group founded by major payment card brands, is responsible for creating and maintaining the PCI DSS (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover).

When PCI-DSS 4.0 was introduced in April 2021, PCI DSS 3.2.1, which had been launched in April 2016, was superseded. Organizations must adhere to a number of rules in PCI DSS 3.2.1 in order to handle credit card data securely. These criteria address topics including data protection, access control, network and system security, and incident response.

PCI-DSS 3.2.1’s principal requirements include the following:

Installing and maintaining a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
Protecting stored cardholder data
Encrypting the transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks
Using and regularly updating anti-virus software
Implementing strong access control measures, including unique user IDs and passwords
Regularly monitoring and testing networks to identify and prevent unauthorized access or attacks
Maintaining an information security policy and training employees on security best practices

PCI DSS 3.2.1 is no longer in use because PCI-DSS 4.0 has taken its place. To be deemed compliant with PCI-DSS 4.0, firms must not have significantly altered their systems or procedures from when they were compliant with PCI DSS 3.2.1.

PCI DSS levels

All businesses that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security guidelines. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), a group founded by major payment card brands, is responsible for creating and maintaining the PCI DSS (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover).

Organizations must adopt a number of controls and procedures to defend against the theft of credit card data and to preserve the security and integrity of their systems and networks in order to be in compliance with PCI-DSS. The level of an organization, which is established by the volume of transactions it executes annually, determines the specific requirements that must be adhered to.

The PCI DSS has four levels of compliance:

Level 1: Organizations that process more than 6 million transactions per year are considered Level 1 merchants. These organizations are required to undergo an annual on-site assessment by a qualified security assessor (QSA) and to complete a Report on Compliance (ROC).
Level 2: Organizations that process between 1 million and 6 million transactions per year are considered Level 2 merchants. These organizations are required to complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and to undergo an annual on-site assessment by a QSA.
Level 3: Organizations that process between 20,000 and 1 million e-commerce transactions per year are considered Level 3 merchants. These organizations are required to complete an SAQ and to undergo an annual on-site assessment by a QSA if requested by the payment card brands.
Level 4: Organizations that process fewer than 20,000 e-commerce transactions per year, or that process up to 1 million transactions per year for all card types (e-commerce and non-e-commerce), are considered Level 4 merchants. These organizations are required to complete an SAQ and may be required to undergo an annual on-site assessment by a QSA if requested by the payment card brands.

It is important for organizations to carefully review the PCI DSS requirements and to work with a QSA to ensure that they are compliant with the standard.

To whom does PCI DSS apply

No of the size or volume of transactions, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is applicable to all organizations that accept, handle, store, or transmit cardholder data. This includes businesses that accept credit cards as payment, as well as vendors, service providers, and other organizations.

All payment card types, including debit, credit, and prepaid cards, are covered by PCI DSS. It also holds true for in-person and online transactions.

Payment card companies often demand compliance with PCI-DSS as a prerequisite for accepting credit card payments. It follows that a company must prove that it is PCI-DSS compliant before it can take credit card payments. Losing the ability to accept credit card payments as well as fines and other penalties are possible outcomes of failing to comply with PCI DSS requirements.

Overall, PCI DSS is a critical standard for businesses handling credit card data. It was created to assist prevent credit card data theft and to uphold the security and integrity of networks and systems.

Card data covered by PCI DSS includes

Any entity that receives, handles, stores, or transmits cardholder data is subject to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). According to the PCI DSS, “cardholder data” is any information pertaining to a payment card that may be used to commit fraud.

Information about cardholders may contain the following kinds of data:

Primary account number (PAN): The 16-digit primary account number (PAN) is the only number that may be found on the front of a payment card. It is used to process transactions and identify the card.
Cardholder name: The individual whose name is on the payment card is known as the cardholder.
Expiration date: The payment card’s validity period ends on the expiration date.
Service code: service number A three-digit identifier called the service code is used to specify the type of card and whether it may be used for a certain kind of transaction (e.g., international transactions, cash advances, etc.).
Sensitive authentication data: Data used to authenticate the cardholder or the card itself is referred to as sensitive authentication data. The three- or four-digit security code (CVV or CVC) for the card or the cardholder’s personal identification number may be included (PIN).

In general, PCI-DSS applies to any information associated with a payment card that might be exploited to commit fraud. It

AWS PCI DSS

A variety of services from Amazon Web Services (AWS) are available to assist businesses in adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). AWS provides a number of services and capabilities that can assist businesses in protecting cardholder data, securing their networks, and adhering to PCI DSS regulations.

For instance, AWS offers a variety of security-focused features and services that can assist businesses in defending against online attacks and maintaining the security of their systems and networks. This contains tools for security assessment, threat detection, and protection against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assaults such as Amazon Inspector, Amazon GuardDuty, and AWS Shield.

AWS also provides a variety of tools and services that can aid enterprises in safeguarding cardholder data. This includes products like Amazon CloudFront, Amazon S3, and Amazon Key Management Service, which are all storage services that can be used to store or encrypt cardholder data (a content delivery network that can be used to securely deliver cardholder data).

In general, AWS offers a selection of products and services that can assist businesses in adhering to PCI-DSS regulations and preventing credit card data theft. To make sure they are in compliance with the standard, enterprises should thoroughly understand the PCI-DSS standards and collaborate with a certified security assessor (QSA).

FAQ:

What are the 12 requirements for PCI DSS?

Here are the 12 requirements of PCI-DSS:

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.
Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.
Use and regularly update anti-virus software.
Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.
Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know.
Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access.
Restrict physical access to cardholder data.
Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.
Regularly test security systems and processes.
Maintain a policy that addresses information security.

Is PCI DSS mandatory?

Payment card brands often demand compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) as a prerequisite for businesses taking credit card payments. It follows that a company must prove that it is PCI-DSS compliant before it can take credit card payments.

In the sense that it is not a requirement under the law, PCI-DSS compliance is not necessary. A loss of the ability to accept credit card payments as well as fines and other penalties may occur from failing to comply with PCI DSS regulations. As a result, it’s crucial for businesses that deal with credit card data to make sure they’re PCI-DSS compliant.

What is the main objective of PCI DSS?

The main objective of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is to protect against the theft of credit card information and to maintain the security and integrity of systems and networks that handle credit card data. PCI-DSS is a set of security standards developed and maintained by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), which is an organization formed by major payment card brands (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover).

The PCI-DSS consists of a set of requirements that organizations must follow in order to securely handle credit card data. These requirements cover a number of areas, including network and system security, data protection, access control, and incident response.

Who needs PCI DSS compliance?

Payment card brands often demand PCI-DSS certification as a prerequisite for accepting credit card payments. Therefore, it is necessary for every entity that takes, handles, saves, or transmits credit card information to provide proof that it complies with PCI-DSS.