What Is PCI DSS Compliance

Online retail is an ever-expanding world with over two billion online shoppers.

Around 75% of these users make purchases online at least once a month. Most online orders are placed on mobile devices (58%) and desktops (39%), using credit or debit cards.

E-commerce sites must adhere to PCI DSS compliance to safeguard customer transactions.

With industry sales projected to hit $6.33 trillion this year, up 8.8% from last year, this security is vital now more than ever.

PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.

Established in 2004, PCI DSS was created by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, JCB International, and American Express.

It sets guidelines to secure credit and debit card transactions and protect cardholder information.

Although the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) can't legally enforce compliance, PCI certification is seen as the best way to protect sensitive data.

It doubles as a proof of trust which is invaluable for building lasting, trusted relationships with customers.

PCI compliance consists of standards that businesses handling cardholder data must follow to protect that information.

Achieving and maintaining PCI DSS compliance is a continuous three-step process.

• Assessing: This step involves creating a list of all assets and processes that handle cardholder data and assessing them for any vulnerabilities.

• Repairing: This includes fixing vulnerabilities if there are any

• Reporting: This step requires documenting the assessment process and any fixes made to address vulnerabilities. These compliance reports are then submitted to the associated banks or credit card companies.

PCI DSS compliance varies depending on the business activities. However, there are five fundamental principles that all businesses must follow to maintain compliance.

• Continuously reducing the vulnerable attack surface

• Incorporate PCI DSS in day-to-day operations

• Constant monitoring for suspicious activities

• Perform environment penetration tests regularly

• Consulting an expert to confirm PCI DSS compliance

PCI compliance isn't required by law, but it is enforced by the PCI SSC and major card processors like Visa and MasterCard.

To work with these companies, you must comply.

Compliance not only protects customer card information but also shows your commitment to security. It reassures customers that their data is safe and handled properly.

Here are more reasons why PCI compliance is crucial:

• It helps build trust between you and your customers.

• It boosts your reputation as a trustworthy business.

• It helps in preventing data breaches and subsequent customer loss.

• It helps businesses assess and limit their exposure to potential financial losses when working with credit card processing companies.

• Companies that do not comply with PCI may face financial penalties by the PCI SSC.

All companies that handle or process cardholder data must be PCI compliant.

Additionally, any company that connects to or could affect the security of a customer's card data environment (CDE) must also comply with PCI DSS.

Basically, all of the following businesses must be PCI DSS compliant:

• Manufacturers
• Software developers
• Merchants
• Credit card processing companies
• Any other company or website that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data

So, even if you have a small business that doesn't generate a lot of website traffic, you must be PCI compliant if you accept credit or debit card payments.

PCI DSS compliance is categorized into four levels, based on the volume of credit or debit card transactions a business processes.

Each level dictates specific compliance requirements.

The levels are as follows:

• Level 1: For merchants processing over 6 million transactions annually. Requires an annual internal audit by a PCI-authorized auditor and quarterly PCI scans by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV).

• Level 2: For merchants processing 1 to 6 million transactions annually. Must complete an annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and may need quarterly PCI scans.

• Level 3: For merchants processing 20,000 to 1 million transactions annually. Requires completing an annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire and may require quarterly PCI scans.

• Level 4: For merchants processing less than 20,000 eCommerce transactions or up to 1 million real-world transactions annually. Must complete an annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire and may need quarterly PCI scans.

PCI DSS compliance consists of 12 requirements grouped into six commanding goals.

All merchants and businesses must meet these requirements to achieve compliance, as mandated by the PCI SSC:

Goal 1: Create and maintain a secure network

1. Use firewalls: Install and maintain firewalls to protect cardholder data.

2. Strong passwords: Use original passwords, not vendor-supplied, and change them frequently.

Goal 2: Cardholder data must be protected

3. Use encryption: Encrypt all cardholder data and encryption keys.

4. Encrypted transmissions: Ensure cardholder data is encrypted during transmission over public networks.

Goal 3: Manage vulnerability

5. Install and maintain antivirus: Install and maintain antivirus software on all devices handling card data.

6. Update software: Regularly update antivirus software, firewalls, and other critical software.

Goal 4: Have strong access control

7. Restrict cardholder data access: Limit access to cardholder data to only those who need it.

8. Use unique IDs: Assign unique IDs and strong passwords to all individuals accessing cardholder data.

9. Limited physical access: Secure physical storage areas for cardholder data with access logs and physical security

Goal 5: Networks have to be monitored and tested regularly

10. Implement access logs: Maintain detailed logs of all cardholder data access and activities.

11. Regular security testing: Conduct frequent scans and tests for vulnerabilities in security systems and processes

Goal 6: Information security policy

12. Document policies: Keep detailed records of all procedures and policies related to cardholder data

Being PCI DSS compliant offers many benefits.

Though it may seem overwhelming initially, using the right tools such as encryption, firewalls, and payment solutions can simplify compliance.

Here's why PCI DSS compliance is advantageous:

1. It builds trust

Being PCI DSS compliant builds trust between your company and customers as it ensures them that they can trust you with their credit or debit card data.

2. Protects against data breaches

PCI DSS compliance makes companies more secure with required firewalls and antivirus software, reducing their appeal to hackers.

Compliant companies don’t store cardholder details, so even if hacked, there’s nothing for hackers to steal.

3. Enables you to work with major credit card companies

As mentioned, PCI DSS compliance was introduced by the leading credit card companies, which demand that their merchants be PCI DSS compliant to use their services.

4. Enhanced security

PCI DSS compliance requires high-level security, which makes your business less prone to attacks and data breaches. This boosts your credibility and reputation as a merchant.

5. Minimizes Financial Risks

Being PCI DSS compliant not only protects data but also minimizes financial liabilities.

Businesses that comply are less likely to face fines and penalties from data breaches, which can be substantial.

6. Global Standards Alignment

PCI DSS is a globally recognized standard.

Compliance ensures that your business aligns with international security practices, making it easier to expand globally and handle transactions from customers worldwide.

7. Streamlined Processes

Compliance often leads to the standardization of security protocols and IT processes.

This can lead to improved efficiency and easier management of data security measures across the organization.

8. Better Customer Confidence

Besides building trust, PCI DSS compliance visibly demonstrates to customers that your business prioritizes their security.

Consequently, it can lead to increased customer loyalty and a higher likelihood of repeat business.

9. Competitive Advantage

In markets where not all players are compliant, having PCI DSS certification can provide a significant competitive advantage.

It positions your company as a safer choice compared to non-compliant competitors.

10. Supports Compliance with Other Regulations

Often, the practices and tools needed for PCI DSS compliance overlap with those required for other regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA).

As a result, these commonalities can simplify broader compliance efforts and reduce costs associated with maintaining multiple compliance standards.

11. Improved Incident Response

Being PCI DSS compliant means having an effective incident response plan in place.

Such a plan ensures your business can respond quickly and efficiently to security incidents, thereby minimizing their impact.

PCI DSS compliance may initially appear daunting.

Both large and small businesses, especially new ones, can find it challenging to meet all requirements and maintain high-level security.

However, failing to comply can lead to irreversible damage to your business.

Here are some potential challenges of non-compliance:

• Your business will be more vulnerable to data breaches.

• Customers could lose their confidence and trust and go to a competitor.

• Without the required security by PCI DSS, your business could be subject to cyber-attacks more frequently, which can severely damage your reputation.

• You could face monetary fees for being non-compliant.

• You may not be able to work with the biggest credit card companies because you do not meet their security standards.

In 2013, the PCI SSC released guidelines to help merchants understand the risks of transmitting cardholder data through mobile devices.

These guidelines outline key risks in mobile payment transactions, including data entering, being stored on, and leaving the device.

Additionally, the guidelines recommend measures for securing both the hardware and software of mobile devices used for payments.

PCI DSS 2.0 (2011)

• Clarified the 12 core requirements.
• Emphasized proper scoping before assessments.
• Improved log management guidelines.
• Expanded vulnerability assessment validation.

PCI DSS 3.0

Introduced new requirements, including methodology-based testing for separating merchant card data environments (CDE) from IT infrastructure.

PCI DSS 3.2 (2016)

• Included clarifications and additional guidance.
• Aimed to protect against current and new card exploits.
• Provided clearer instructions on implementing and maintaining controls.

PCI DSS compliance does not exist in isolation; it intersects with various other regulatory frameworks, often leading to overlaps and efficiencies in compliance efforts.

Here's a closer look:

Overlap with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Both PCI DSS and GDPR focus on data security and privacy, but GDPR is broader, covering all personal data.

Compliance with PCI DSS can help streamline some aspects of GDPR, especially concerning the storage and processing of payment card information.

Convergence with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

For healthcare organizations that process payments, PCI DSS requirements intersect with HIPAA mandates.

Both frameworks emphasize protecting sensitive information, thereby reducing the compliance burden when simultaneously addressed.

Synergy with SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act)

SOX affects the financial reporting processes of publicly traded companies.

Those that accept card payments must ensure their PCI DSS controls are mapped to SOX requirements, enhancing transparency and security in financial reporting.

Integration with ISO/IEC 27001

ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard for information security management.

PCI DSS complements ISO/IEC 27001 by providing specific controls for cardholder data, which can enhance an organization's overall security posture when both standards are adopted.

Alignment with NIST Frameworks

The National Institute of Standards and Technology offers frameworks for improving cybersecurity.

The specific technical and operational requirements of PCI DSS can help operationalize the broader principles of NIST frameworks, particularly in financial transactions.

PCI DSS compliance is essential for merchants wanting to partner with major credit card companies.

It also offers benefits such as strong customer relationships, industry credibility, and improved security.

Conversely, non compliance can cause significant damage to your reputation and business overall.

Those damages can be in the form of monetary fees, inability to work with the biggest credit card companies, etc.