What is PCI DSS Compliance?

PCI DSS Compliance: What It Is & Why It Matters

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a global security standard designed to protect payment card data and prevent fraud. It applies to any organization that processes, stores, or transmits credit or debit card information.

Key Aspects of PCI DSS:

1. Who Needs to Comply?

   • Merchants (online & physical stores)
   • Payment processors & gateways
   • Banks and financial institutions
   • Any business handling cardholder data

2. 12 PCI DSS Requirements (Grouped into 6 Goals):

   • Build & Maintain Secure Networks
     1. Install and maintain firewalls.
     2. Avoid using vendor-supplied defaults for passwords.
   • Protect Cardholder Data
     3. Protect stored cardholder data.
     4. Encrypt cardholder data during transmission.
   • Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
     5. Use antivirus software.
     6. Keep systems and applications updated.
   • Implement Strong Access Control
     7. Restrict access to cardholder data.
     8. Assign unique user IDs for tracking.
     9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data.
   • Monitor & Test Networks
     10. Track and monitor all access to network resources.
     11. Regularly test security systems.
   • Maintain an Information Security Policy
     12. Maintain a policy that addresses security for employees and contractors.

3. PCI DSS Compliance Levels (Based on Transaction Volume):

   • Level 1: Over 6 million transactions per year (most strict).
   • Level 2: 1–6 million transactions.
   • Level 3: 20,000–1 million transactions.
   • Level 4: Less than 20,000 transactions (least strict).

Why PCI DSS Compliance Matters:

✅ Protects businesses from data breaches & fines.
✅ Builds customer trust and brand reputation.
✅ Helps prevent financial losses from fraud.
✅ Required by major card brands (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).