PCI Data Security PCI Data Security Standard Requirements PCI Data Security Standard Requirements
PCI DSS is the global data security standard for businesses to adhere to in order to accept, store, process, and/or transmit cardholder data. The PCI DSS specifies 12 requirements for compliance, organized into six logical groups:
Build and Maintain a Secure Network
1. Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
2. Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and parameters
Protect Cardholder Data
3. Protect stored cardholder data
4. Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks
Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
5. Use and regularly update anti-virus software or programs
6. Develop and maintain secure systems and applications
Implement Strong Access Control Measures
7. Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know
8. Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access
9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data
Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
10. Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data
11. Regularly test security systems and processes
Maintain an Information Security Policy
12. Maintain a policy that addresses information security for employees and contractors
These high-level requirements are divided into approximately 225 sub-requirements. All merchants and service providers are obligated to meet every requirement, unless the requirement is not applicable. On the other hand validation and assessment of the requirements will vary from one organization to the other.
