PCI DSS Overview

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

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What is PCI DSS?

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. PCI DSS was created by the major credit card brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB).

PCI DSS applies to any organization that handles cardholder data, regardless of size or transaction volume. Compliance is mandatory for all entities that store, process, or transmit cardholder data, and non-compliance can result in significant fines and loss of card processing privileges.

PCI DSS 12 Requirements

Build and Maintain a Secure Network

Requirement 1: Install and maintain a firewall

Establish firewall and router configuration standards to protect cardholder data.

Requirement 2: Do not use vendor-supplied defaults

Change vendor-supplied defaults and remove or disable unnecessary default accounts.

Protect Cardholder Data

Requirement 3: Protect stored cardholder data

Encrypt stored cardholder data and use strong cryptography and security protocols.

Requirement 4: Encrypt transmission of cardholder data

Encrypt cardholder data transmission across open, public networks.

Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program

Requirement 5: Use and regularly update anti-virus software

Deploy anti-virus software on all systems commonly affected by malware.

Requirement 6: Develop and maintain secure systems

Develop and maintain secure systems and applications with security patches.

Implement Strong Access Control Measures

Requirement 7: Restrict access by business need-to-know

Limit access to cardholder data to only those who need it for business purposes.

Requirement 8: Assign a unique ID to each person

Assign unique IDs to each person with computer access and implement strong authentication.

Regularly Monitor and Test Networks

Requirement 9: Restrict physical access to cardholder data

Restrict physical access to cardholder data and ensure proper disposal of media.

Requirement 10: Track and monitor all access

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

Maintain an Information Security Policy

Requirement 11: Regularly test security systems

Regularly test security systems and processes including vulnerability scans and penetration testing.

Requirement 12: Maintain a policy

Maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel.

PCI DSS Compliance Levels

Level 1

Merchants processing 6M+ transactions annually

  • • Annual on-site assessment
  • • Quarterly network scans
  • • Attestation of Compliance

Level 2

Merchants processing 1M-6M transactions annually

  • • Annual self-assessment
  • • Quarterly network scans
  • • Attestation of Compliance

Level 3

Merchants processing 20K-1M transactions annually

  • • Annual self-assessment
  • • Quarterly network scans
  • • Attestation of Compliance

Level 4

Merchants processing <20K transactions annually

  • • Annual self-assessment
  • • Quarterly network scans
  • • Attestation of Compliance

Key PCI DSS Requirements

Network Security

  • • Firewall configuration and management
  • • Network segmentation and isolation
  • • Wireless network security
  • • Network monitoring and logging

Data Protection

  • • Encryption of stored cardholder data
  • • Encryption of data in transit
  • • Secure key management
  • • Data retention and disposal policies

Access Control

  • • Unique user identification
  • • Strong authentication mechanisms
  • • Role-based access control
  • • Regular access reviews

Monitoring and Testing

  • • Comprehensive audit logging
  • • Regular vulnerability scans
  • • Penetration testing
  • • Security monitoring and alerting

PCI DSS Assessment Process

1

Scope Definition

Identify all systems, networks, and processes that store, process, or transmit cardholder data.

2

Gap Analysis

Assess current security controls against PCI DSS requirements and identify gaps.

3

Remediation

Implement missing controls and address identified security gaps.

4

Assessment

Conduct formal assessment using Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) or on-site assessment.

5

Certification

Submit Attestation of Compliance (AOC) and maintain ongoing compliance.

PCI DSS Non-Compliance Penalties

Financial Penalties
  • • Fines ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per month
  • • Increased transaction fees
  • • Loss of card processing privileges
  • • Legal costs and regulatory fines
Business Impact
  • • Loss of customer trust
  • • Reputational damage
  • • Increased insurance premiums
  • • Potential business closure

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