The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. These standards were created by the major credit card companies (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB) and are required for any company that accepts credit cards.

The PCI-DSS standards are divided into six main categories, or "control objectives," which are listed below:

  1. Build and Maintain a Secure Network: This includes Firewalls to protect cardholder data and secure passwords and encryption.

  2. Protect Cardholder Data: This includes storing data securely, using strong access control measures and regularly monitoring networks.

  3. Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program: This includes using anti-virus software and keeping systems up-to-date.

  4. Implement Strong Access Control Measures: This includes restricting access to cardholder data to only those who need it and using unique IDs and passwords.

  5. Regularly Monitor and Test Networks: This includes regularly monitoring for suspicious activity and testing systems and processes.

  6. Maintain an Information Security Policy: This includes having a policy that covers all aspects of information security.

PCI-DSS compliance is not optional – it is a requirement for any company that accepts credit cards. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines from credit card companies and the possibility of losing the ability to accept credit cards altogether.

The good news is that several resources are available to help companies meet the PCI-DSS standards. The PCI Security Standards Council offers a range of resources on their website, including a Self-Assessment Questionnaire, which can help companies assess their compliance level. In addition, several companies offer PCI compliance services, which can help businesses meet the requirements of the PCI-DSS standards.

The PCI-DSS standard is updated regularly to keep up with the latest changes in technology and security threats. The latest standard version, PCI-DSS 3.2, was released in April 2018.

What is the difference between PCI DSS and PA DSS?

The Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) is a standard that applies to software vendors that develop applications that store, process, or transmit credit card information. PA-DSS-compliant software is designed to be used in a PCI DSS-compliant environment.