Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a global information security standard designed to protect cardholder account data and applies to all organizations that handle branded payment cards from the major card associations. The PCI DSS was developed by the card brands but administered by the PCI Security Standards Council.

PCI Data Security Standard – High Level Overview

Type Description
Build and Maintain a Secure Network and Systems
  1. Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data.
  2. Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.
Protect Cardholder Data
  1. Protect stored cardholder data.
  2. Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.
Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
  1. Protect all systems against malware and regularly update anti-virus software or programs.
  2. Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.
Implement Strong Access Control Measures
  1. Restrict access to cardholder data by business need to know.
  2. Identify and authenticate access to system components.
  3. Restrict physical access to cardholder data.
Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
  1. Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.
  2. Regularly test security systems and processes.

Maintain an Information Security Policy
  1. Maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel.