Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

✅ Global Security Standard – Protects payment card data and reduces fraud risks
✅ Applies to All Entities – Merchants, payment processors, financial institutions, and service providers handling card transactions
✅ 12 Core Requirements – Covers network security, access control, encryption, and monitoring
✅ Cardholder Data Protection – Encryption, masking, and secure storage of sensitive payment information
✅ Compliance Validation – Self-assessments or third-party audits based on transaction volume
✅ Enforced by Payment Brands – Required by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB
✅ Failure Consequences – Non-compliance can result in fines, increased fees, or revocation of payment processing privileges

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IT & Cyber Security
PCIDSS

 

What is PCI DSS

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a globally recognized security framework designed to protect cardholder data and reduce payment fraud. It applies to any organization that stores, processes, or transmits card payment information. PCI DSS is enforced by major credit card brands such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB, through the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC).

Purpose

PCI DSS aims to:

  • Ensure a secure environment for handling payment card transactions.
  • Prevent data breaches and fraud.
  • Establish standardized security measures across industries that process cardholder data.

Who Needs to Comply?

Any business, regardless of size, that handles credit card data, including:

  • Merchants (online and physical stores).
  • Payment processors.
  • Financial institutions.
  • Third-party service providers.

PCI DSS Requirements

PCI DSS consists of 12 main security requirements, further broken down into 280 detailed sub-requirements, covering:

  1. Network Security: Implementing firewalls and secure network configurations.
  2. Data Protection: Encrypting stored cardholder data and secure transmission.
  3. Access Control: Restricting user access based on business needs.
  4. Monitoring & Testing: Regular security testing and logging system activities.
  5. Security Policies: Establishing and enforcing security programs.

Compliance & Enforcement

Organizations demonstrate compliance through:

  • Self-assessment or audits (depending on transaction volume).
  • Regular security scans and penetration tests.
  • Penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential loss of ability to process card payments.

PCI DSS Implementation Checklist

1️⃣ Initial Preparation 

✅ Define PCI DSS scope (systems, processes, and people that handle cardholder data)
✅ Secure management support and budget allocation
✅ Appoint a PCI DSS project team (including IT, security, and compliance officers)
✅ Establish an implementation timeline and milestones

2️⃣ Risk Assessment & Gap Analysis 

✅ Conduct a gap analysis to evaluate current compliance with PCI DSS
✅ Identify risks to cardholder data (data breaches, unauthorized access, etc.)
✅ Conduct a risk assessment (considering threats, vulnerabilities, and impact)
✅ Develop a Risk Treatment Plan (RTP) to address identified gaps
✅ Document and prioritize remediation actions

3️⃣ PCI DSS Documentation 

✅ Create a PCI DSS Compliance Policy
✅ Document data classification procedures (for cardholder data)
✅ Develop an Access Control Policy (user roles, least privilege, etc.)
✅ Prepare an Incident Response Plan (IRP) for data breaches or security events
✅ Define and document Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans (BCP/DRP)
✅ Prepare Security Assessment Reports and other compliance documentation

4️⃣ Implementing PCI DSS Controls 

✅ Build & Maintain Secure Network:

  • Install and configure firewalls and routers to protect cardholder data
  • Segment networks to separate systems that store, process, or transmit cardholder data
    ✅ Protect Cardholder Data:
  • Use strong encryption (AES, TLS) for storing and transmitting cardholder data
  • Mask or truncate PAN (Primary Account Number) when displayed
  • Implement strong key management practices for encryption
    ✅ Access Control:
  • Implement strong authentication methods (e.g., two-factor authentication)
  • Assign a unique ID to each person who has computer access to cardholder data
  • Restrict access to cardholder data based on job roles (least privilege principle)
    ✅ Monitor & Test Networks:
  • Deploy logging mechanisms (SIEM systems) to track access and activity involving cardholder data
  • Regularly test security systems and processes (vulnerability scanning, penetration testing)
    ✅ Maintain an Information Security Policy:
  • Regularly update the security policies and procedures based on emerging threats and compliance changes
  • Conduct employee security awareness training

5️⃣ Monitoring & Continuous Improvement 

✅ Conduct regular internal audits and vulnerability scans
✅ Track and report compliance KPIs (e.g., number of detected vulnerabilities, incident response times)
✅ Review and update risk assessments and treatment plans periodically
✅ Perform regular management reviews of PCI DSS compliance
✅ Correct non-conformities and implement corrective actions

6️⃣ Certification Process 

✅ Hire an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) for vulnerability scans (if required)
✅ Undergo Self-Assessment or hire a PCI QSA (Qualified Security Assessor) for a formal audit
✅ Complete the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) or the Report on Compliance (ROC)
✅ Implement any corrective actions suggested during the audit
✅ Obtain PCI DSS Compliance certification (AOC – Attestation of Compliance) 🎉

7️⃣ Post-Certification Maintenance 

✅ Conduct annual PCI DSS assessments to ensure continued compliance
✅ Perform quarterly vulnerability scans and review firewall configurations
✅ Update security controls in response to emerging threats or vulnerabilities
✅ Maintain proper documentation and keep records of compliance activities for at least 1 year
✅ Stay updated with changes to the PCI DSS standard and industry best practices

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Table of contents
Tags
IT & Cyber Security
PCIDSS

 

PCI DSS v4.0 Requirements

[Created by Chat-GPT, please refer to original document]


1. Install and Maintain Network Security Controls

  • 1.1 Processes and mechanisms for installing and maintaining network security controls are defined and understood.
  • 1.2 Network security controls (NSCs) are configured and maintained.
  • 1.3 Network access to and from the cardholder data environment (CDE) is restricted.
  • 1.4 Network connections between trusted and untrusted networks are controlled.
  • 1.5 Risks to the CDE from computing devices that can connect to both untrusted networks and the CDE are mitigated.

2. Apply Secure Configurations to All System Components

  • 2.1 Processes and mechanisms for applying secure configurations to all system components are defined and understood.
  • 2.2 Secure configuration standards are established, implemented, and maintained for all system components.
  • 2.3 Vendor-supplied defaults are changed before system installation, and unnecessary services are disabled.

3. Protect Stored Account Data

  • 3.1 Processes and mechanisms for protecting stored account data are defined and understood.
  • 3.2 Storage of account data is minimized and retained only as needed.
  • 3.3 Cardholder data (CHD) is rendered unreadable (e.g., via encryption, tokenization, or truncation).
  • 3.4 Access to displays of full PAN (Primary Account Number) is restricted.
  • 3.5 Cryptographic keys used to protect stored account data are securely managed.

4. Protect Cardholder Data with Strong Cryptography During Transmission

  • 4.1 Processes and mechanisms for protecting cardholder data with strong cryptography during transmission are defined and understood.
  • 4.2 Strong cryptography and security protocols are used to safeguard cardholder data during transmission over open, public networks.
  • 4.3 PAN is not transmitted in clear text over open networks or insecure channels.

5. Protect All Systems and Networks from Malicious Software

  • 5.1 Processes and mechanisms for protecting systems and networks from malicious software are defined and understood.
  • 5.2 Anti-malware solutions are deployed, maintained, and kept up to date.
  • 5.3 Ongoing monitoring and scanning for malware are performed.

6. Develop and Maintain Secure Systems and Applications

  • 6.1 Processes and mechanisms for developing and maintaining secure systems and applications are defined and understood.
  • 6.2 Vulnerability management processes are in place, including timely installation of security patches.
  • 6.3 Security best practices and coding standards are followed during application development.
  • 6.4 Public-facing web applications are protected against known attacks (for example, via web application firewalls or equivalent).

7. Restrict Access to System Components and Cardholder Data by Business Need to Know

  • 7.1 Processes and mechanisms for restricting access based on business need to know are defined and understood.
  • 7.2 Access rights are assigned according to job responsibilities, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access system components and cardholder data.
  • 7.3 Access permissions are reviewed and adjusted on a regular basis to maintain appropriate controls.

8. Identify Users and Authenticate Access to System Components

  • 8.1 Processes and mechanisms for identifying users and authenticating access to system components are defined and understood.
  • 8.2 Unique identification is enforced for all users with access to system components.
  • 8.3 Multi-factor authentication is implemented for all non-console administrative access and remote network access.
  • 8.4 Authentication mechanisms (e.g., passwords, tokens) are managed securely.

9. Restrict Physical Access to Cardholder Data

  • 9.1 Processes and mechanisms for restricting physical access to systems and cardholder data are defined and understood.
  • 9.2 Physical access to sensitive areas (e.g., data centers, server rooms) is controlled and monitored.
  • 9.3 Media containing cardholder data is securely stored and disposed of when no longer needed.

10. Log and Monitor All Access to System Components and Cardholder Data

  • 10.1 Processes and mechanisms for logging access and activities related to system components and cardholder data are defined and understood.
  • 10.2 Detailed logs are generated for access events and system activities.
  • 10.3 Logs are reviewed regularly, protected from tampering, and retained according to defined policies.

11. Test Security of Systems and Networks Regularly

  • 11.1 Processes and mechanisms for regular testing of system and network security are defined and understood.
  • 11.2 Vulnerability scans and penetration tests are conducted regularly.
  • 11.3 Security testing includes verification of the effectiveness of security controls and change detection mechanisms (such as file integrity monitoring).

12. Support Information Security with Organizational Policies and Programs

  • 12.1 Processes and mechanisms for supporting information security through formal policies and programs are defined and understood.
  • 12.2 A comprehensive information security policy is established and maintained.
  • 12.3 Regular risk assessments are conducted to identify and address security vulnerabilities.
  • 12.4 Security awareness training is provided to all personnel.
  • 12.5 An incident response plan is developed, maintained, and regularly tested.
  • 12.6 Procedures for managing third-party service providers and ensuring their PCI DSS compliance are established.
  • 12.7 Security policies and procedures are integrated into overall business processes.
  • 12.8 Periodic reviews and updates of the security program are performed to reflect changes in technology and threats.
  • 12.9 Continuous improvement processes are implemented to enhance the effectiveness of the security program.
  • 12.10 Documentation and evidence of the security program’s effectiveness are maintained and made available for review.
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