Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security requirements for enterprises that process payment and credit card data. The standard was developed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) – an organization founded by major card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. To ensure a high level of card transaction security worldwide, this unified, global standard was created. For what the standard itself is, what it requires and how compliance is validated, see our article what is PCI DSS — key facts and requirements; here we focus on securing card data in practice.
Entrepreneurs who accept card payments or operate e-commerce businesses are required to undergo annual audits confirming compliance with PCI DSS. PCI DSS requirements cover payment processing, infrastructure, and consumer payment information. The standard encompasses 12 main requirements grouped into 6 control objectives – from building and maintaining a secure network to regularly testing security systems.
The PCI DSS standard applies to payment service providers, retail and service establishments, and banks – all entities storing, processing, or transmitting cardholder data. The scope of requirements depends on the organization’s level (Level 1-4), determined by annual card transaction volume.
Consequences of non-compliance with PCI DSS requirements include:
- Inability to process payment cards – card networks may revoke authorization to process transactions
- Business and financial complications – financial penalties reaching thousands of dollars monthly, increased transaction rates, and in case of data breach – liability for cardholder losses
nFlo offers PCI DSS compliance audits, conducting infrastructure and application security tests, identifying risks, and providing reports with recommendations leading to PCI DSS compliance. Our specialists also help with remediation of detected non-conformities and preparation for certification by a QSA (Qualified Security Assessor).
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Frequently asked questions
What is PCI DSS and what is its purpose?
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security requirements developed by major card networks including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express to protect payment card data worldwide. Its purpose is to ensure that all organizations that process, store, or transmit cardholder data maintain a secure environment that prevents data breaches and fraud.
What are the six core objectives of PCI DSS?
PCI DSS is organized around six goals: building and maintaining a secure network and systems, protecting cardholder data, maintaining a vulnerability management program, implementing strong access control measures, regularly monitoring and testing networks, and maintaining an information security policy. These goals are supported by 12 specific requirements with detailed sub-requirements.
How does PCI DSS compliance differ across different merchant levels?
PCI DSS uses a tiered compliance model based on annual transaction volume. Level 1 merchants processing over 6 million transactions annually require an annual on-site assessment by a Qualified Security Assessor and quarterly network scans. Lower-level merchants may be eligible to self-assess using a Self-Assessment Questionnaire, with the appropriate SAQ form determined by their card data environment type.
How can nFlo help organizations achieve and maintain PCI DSS compliance?
nFlo supports organizations through the full PCI DSS compliance lifecycle including gap assessments to identify deficiencies, technical implementation of required security controls, preparation of required documentation, penetration testing that PCI DSS mandates annually, and ongoing monitoring and advisory services to help maintain compliance as systems and requirements evolve.
