PCI-DSS

Secure Payment Systems with PCI DSS Compliance

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all organizations that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. It was established by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to protect cardholder data and reduce the risk of payment card fraud.

PCI-DSS Overview

PCI DSS certification ensures organizations handle payment card data securely, fostering trust and reducing the risk of fraud and data breaches.

1. Comprehensive Data Security

Covers all aspects of handling payment card data, from storage to processing and transmission

2. Global Applicability

Applies to any organization handling payment card data, regardless of size or location.

3. Mandatory Compliance

Compliance is required for businesses dealing with major card brands like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB

1. Enhanced Security

Protects payment card data against breaches and fraud

2. Customer Trust

Demonstrates a commitment to securing sensitive data, building trust with customers and partners

3. Regulatory Compliance

Helps meet legal and regulatory obligations related to payment data security.

4. Fraud Reduction

Mitigates risks of financial loss due to data breaches or fraudulent activity

5. Competitive Advantage

Differentiates businesses in the marketplace by showcasing robust data security practices.

1. Build and Maintain a Secure Network

1. Install and maintain a firewall to protect cardholder data.

2. Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.

2. Protect Cardholder Data

3. Protect stored cardholder data.

4. Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.

3. Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program

5. Use and regularly update antivirus software or programs.

6. Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.

4. Implement Strong Access Control Measures

7. Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know.

8. Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access.

9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data.

5. Regularly Monitor and Test Networks

10. Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.

11. Regularly test security systems and processes.

5. Maintain an Information Security Policy

12. Maintain a policy that addresses information security for employees and contractors

1. Pre-Assessment

Identify gaps in compliance through a gap analysis

2. Remediation

Address identified gaps and implement necessary controls

3. Assessment

Conducted by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or through a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

4. Attestation of Compliance (AoC)

Document proving compliance with PCI DSS

5. Ongoing Maintenance

Regular security reviews, vulnerability scans, and annual assessments

1. Merchants

Businesses that accept credit or debit card payments

2. Service Providers

Companies that process, store, or transmit payment card data on behalf of merchants

3. Financial Institutions

Banks and payment processors