PCI-DSS Compliance Guide
PCI-DSS Compliance Guide
What is PCI-DSS?
PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a global security standard designed to protect credit card and debit card transactions from data breaches, fraud, and theft. It was established by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), which includes major credit card brands such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.
Any system that handles, stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data (CHD) must follow PCI-DSS to:
Safeguard sensitive data.
Prevent security vulnerabilities.
Maintain trust with customers.
The PCI-DSS Requirements
Build and Maintain a Secure Network and Systems
- Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data.
- Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters
Protect Cardholder Data
- Protect stored cardholder data
- Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks
Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
- Protect all systems against malware and regularly update antivirus software or programs
- Develop and maintain secure systems and applications
Implement Strong Access Control Measures
- Restrict access to cardholder data by business need to know
- Identify and authenticate access to system components
- Restrict physical access to cardholder data
Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
- Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data
- Regularly test security systems and processes
Maintain an Information Security Policy
- Maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel
Who Needs PCI-DSS Compliance?
Any business that accepts, transmits, or stores cardholder data must comply with PCI-DSS. This includes:
- Retailers (physical stores)
- E-commerce platforms
- Payment processors/gateways
- SaaS providers who handle billing
- Call centers taking card payments
- Hosting providers for merchants handling card data
- Banks and financial institutions
PCI-DSS Merchant Levels
Merchants are classified into four levels based on annual transaction volume:
Level | Annual Transactions | Requirements |
Level 1 | Over 6 million | Annual on-site audit by a QSA, quarterly scans, full ROC |
Level 2 | 1 to 6 million | Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), quarterly scans |
Level 3 | 20,000 to 1 million e-commerce transactions | SAQ, scans |
Level 4 | Less than 20,000 e-commerce or up to 1 million overall | SAQ (depends on acquiring bank), basic security practices |
Non-Compliance Consequences
Financial Penalties
Operational Impact