Key Takeaways
Global Security Standard: PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a global security standard developed and maintained by the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC). It is adopted by all major payment card brands.
Mandatory for Card Data Handlers: The standard applies to every organization that processes, stores, or transmits cardholder data and/or sensitive authentication data, such as a Primary Account Number (PAN) or Card Verification Value (CVV).
Core Requirements Mirror Best Practices: The twelve core requirements of PCI DSS are designed to mirror essential information security best practices, covering areas like maintaining firewalls, protecting stored data, encrypting transmission, and restricting access to cardholder data.
Trying to Figure out PCI DSS? We Can Help!
It is hard to believe that the PCI DSS is over 15 years old and yet people still struggle with what it is!? It’s time to stop tearing your hair out. We’ve got you covered with all you need to know in our new PCI Primer blog series, and we’re starting with the basics.
PCI DSS is a global security standard developed and maintained by the PCI Security Standards Council and adopted by payment card brands for all organizations that process, store or transmit cardholder data and/or sensitive authentication data such as primary account number (PAN), cardholder name, card expiration date and card verification value (CVV). These requirements are meant to mirror information security best practices.
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12 Requirements of PCI DSS
- Install and maintain a firewall in order to protect sensitive data.
- Avoid vendor-supplied defaults for passwords or other parameters.
- Protect stored cardholder data.
- Encrypt cardholder data across open networks during transmission.
- Keep anti-virus programs up-to-date to protect against malware.
- Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.
- Restrict access to cardholder data to only those who need to know.
- Identify and authenticate access to system components.
- Restrict physical access to cardholder data.
- Monitor access to cardholder data and other resources.
- Regularly test security systems and processes.
- Develop an information security policy for all personnel.
Source: PCI Security Standards Council, LLC | www.pcisecuritystandards.org
Demonstreate PCI DSS COmpliance with Auditwerx
PCI DSS compliance shows that your business has the proper environment and controls in place to process, store and transmit payment information – building trust with existing customers and attracting new clients. Not PCI compliant yet? Auditwerx, a certified PCI QSA, can help. If you’re ready for professional guidance from a PCI specialist, contact us today!
Next time, we’ll be examining why following these requirements is important to your business. Stay tuned for more from our team!
FAQs
What does the acronym PCI DSS stand for, and what is its main goal?
PCI DSS stands for the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Its main goal is to set universal security requirements for organizations that handle payment information, ensuring proper controls are in place to secure cardholder data and sensitive authentication data.
Who created and maintains the PCI DSS requirements?
The PCI DSS requirements were developed and are maintained by the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC). This council collaborates with payment card brands to ensure the security standards remain relevant and effective for protecting sensitive payment information globally.
What is the benefit of achieving PCI DSS compliance for a business?
Achieving PCI DSS compliance demonstrates that your business has the proper controls and environment to securely handle payment information. This action builds crucial trust with existing customers and is a key factor in attracting new clients who prioritize secure payment processing.
What are some of the fundamental technical requirements of the PCI DSS?
The fundamental requirements of PCI DSS include installing and maintaining a firewall, avoiding the use of vendor-supplied default passwords, encrypting cardholder data during transmission over open networks, and regularly testing security systems and processes to protect against malware.
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