The PCI Data Security Standard
With over 250 sub-requirements, the PCI DSS can be sorted at a high level into 6 goals and 12 main requirements.
Six Goals, 12 Requirements
| Goals | PCI DSS Requirements |
|---|---|
| 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 other security parameters |
| Protect Cardholder Data | 3: Protect stored cardholder data 4: Encrypt transmissions of cardholder data across open, public networks |
| Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program | 5: Use and regularly update anti-virus software 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 |
Payment application data security standard
The Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) is for software developers and integrators of payment applications that store, process or transmit cardholder data as part of authorization or settlement when these applications are sold, distributed or licensed to third parties.
PA-DSS requires vendors of third-party payment applications to ensure proper security controls are in place to safeguard cardholder data. Many of the controls within PA-DSS are designed to specifically address common vulnerabilities that were identified as main causes in credit card data loss.
MasterCard mandate effective July 1, 2012
Effective July 1, 2012, MasterCard revised the MasterCard SDP Program Standards to require all merchants and service providers that use third party-provided payment applications to only use those applications that are compliant with the Payment Card Industry Payment Application Data Security Standard (PCI PA-DSS), as applicable. The applicability of the PCI PA-DSS to third party-provided payment applications is defined in the PCI PA-DSS Program Guide. In addition, MasterCard will establish a new PA-DSS compliance validation requirement for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 merchants as well as Level 1 and Level 2 service providers.
The MasterCard PA-DSS mandate will help continue to drive global adoption of and compliance with the PCI DSS for all stakeholders within the payment ecosystem.
What merchants need to know
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What acquirers need to know
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