The 12 PCI Compliance Requirements:

Now that we understand the varying levels of compliance and the 3 main components that the PCI DSS focuses on, let’s review the 12 specific requirements that every PCI compliant business must meet:

1) Install and Maintain a Firewall

Effective firewalls are the first step to achieving PCI compliance and are foundational to establishing a good card security system. They are the first line of defense against hackers, as they block unknown entities from accessing your private data.

2) Avoid Default Passwords and Security Measures

All password-enabled devices come equipped with default security measures. Cybercriminals are usually familiar with how to breach these default defenses—refusing to update them puts your business in grave danger. Stay PCI compliant by keeping a comprehensive list of all of your password-enabled devices and confirming that you’ve changed every password. Repeat this process at least every six months.

3) Protect Stored Cardholder Data

PCI DSS mandate that cardholder data is backed with two-fold protection, which encrypts it with algorithms with additional security from encryption keys. The dual layers make it much more difficult for cybercriminals to compromise cardholder data. This requirement also demands regular verification that primary account numbers are encrypted.

4) Encrypt Transmission of Cardholder Data Across Public Networks

If your cardholder data goes through public channels, PCI DSS requires those transmissions to be encrypted. This ensures a basic level of defense for your clients’ account numbers, even if they’re being sent through hazardous channels. Aren’t sure what channels your cardholder data goes through? A professional can help you get the answers you need.

5) Use Current Anti-Virus Software and Programs

PCI DSS requires up-to-date antivirus software for every device that interacts with primary account numbers (PAN). Keep your company protected with the latest antivirus updates.

6) Develop Secure Systems and Applications

Failing to update your systems could lead to exploitable weaknesses in your network to emerging cyberthreats. This is why PCI DSS requires all of your software to be updated to its most recent version. Enabling automatic updates takes the process out of your hands, so you can focus on your core business processes.

7) Restrict Access to Cardholder Data by Business Need-to-Know

PCI compliance demands that data is distributed strictly on a “need-to-know” basis. Anyone that doesn’t need access to cardholder data—whether it’s an executive or clerk—shouldn’t have access. This step also requires that every member of your team in contact with sensitive data is monitored to keep them honest and accountable.

8) Identify Users With Unique IDs

PCI DSS requests that everyone who accesses sensitive cardholder data be given unique identifiers. These create a more transparent system with greater accountability. When everyone uses the same account it gets tough to tell who’s doing what. Unique IDs eliminate this issue by creating a system where every action is attributable to a specific individual.

9) Restrict Physical Access to Cardholder Data

If your business has physical copies of cardholder data, PCI DSS states that they must be physically secured in a safe location. Examples of physical cardholder data include:

• Receipts
• Reports
• Faxes
• Customer Order Forms
• Hard Drives

Not only should all of these objects be locked away, a record must be made every time they’re accessed. This system guarantees that someone can be held accountable if something happens.

10) Log, Monitor, and Track all Access to Systems Involving Cardholder Data

On the topic of accountability, PCI DSS require that comprehensive logs are kept that record all activity around PAN. Don’t neglect this! Failing to keep consistent track is one of the most common places where businesses fail to meet compliance.

11) Regularly Test Security Systems and Processes

This step of the PCI DSS aims to verify the strength of your security practices. Meeting PCI standards is an elaborate process—it’s likely that one part of your implementation isn’t working as intended. The best way to check and see if your PCI is working properly is with regular scans of your network.

In addition, the PCI DSS recommends conducting vulnerability and penetration testing. These tests identify weaknesses in your network, and can help you lock down cardholder data.

12) Support Information Security With Policies and Programs

Finally, PCI compliance requires you to continuously support your information security with new policies, programs, and documentation. This part exists to ensure that your business keeps up with the most modern processes.

Summary: What Are The PCI Compliance Requirements and What Do You Need to Do?

PCI compliance involves three aspects of data security—handling, storing, and an annual validation. Your business can stay PCI compliant by understanding your compliance level and tracking changes on the official PCI website. The best way to meet the current requirements for PCI DSS v4.0 is by:

• Installing Firewalls
• Using Strong Password Protocols
• Protecting Cardholder Data
• Developing Accountable Systems
• Using Current Antivirus Software
• Continuously Improving Your System
• Partnering With a Professional

Make PCI Compliance Simple

Not meeting PCI compliance can lead to huge fines, reputational damage, and legal consequences that could lead to your business’s failure. Does the prospect of facing it alone intimidate you? If so, PCI Booking is here to help!

PCI Booking offers a compliance level 1 outsourced solution for all of your business processes that involve credit card details. By working with us, you inherit this level, giving your business a scalable solution to all your compliance needs. We’re constantly studying and tracking every development to PCI DSS, so you can put your trust in us. Make PCI compliance simple and partner with us today!