PCI DSS Compliance

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) – a set of standards created by card issuers such as Visa and MasterCard to ensure the security of credit card details online.

The PCI DSS is a security standard that includes requirements for security management, policies, procedures, network architecture, software design and other critical protective measures. This comprehensive standard is intended to assist organisations proactively protect their customer’s information.

The core of the PCI DSS is a set of principles and accompanying requirements, around which the specific elements of the DSS are organised:

Build and Maintain a Secure Network
Requirement 1: Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
Requirement 2: Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters

Protect Cardholder Data
Requirement 3: Protect stored cardholder data
Requirement 4: Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks

Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program

Requirement 5: Use and regularly update anti-virus software Requirement 6: Develop and maintain secure systems and applications

Implement Strong Access Control Measures

Requirement 7: Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know
Requirement 8: Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access
Requirement 9: Restrict physical access to cardholder data

Regularly Monitor and Test Networks

Requirement 10: Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data
Requirement 11: Regularly test security systems and processes

Maintain an Information Security Policy

Requirement 12: Maintain a policy that addresses information security

Service Providers must validate compliance with an audit by a PCI DSS Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) Company each year. PCI DSS Audit is conducted by a third party, Securus Global, a certified QSA and QPASC under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Program.