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PCI DSS FRAMEWORK

PCI DSS Compliance for Payments

Scope your CDE, implement the 12 requirements, and choose the right validation path to secure cardholder data and satisfy partners.

Core Areas: Scoping Segmentation SAQ/ROC ASV Scans Pen Tests

PCI DSS: The 12 Requirements

PCI DSS establishes a comprehensive set of controls to protect cardholder data across networks, systems, access, and operations.

Network Security Controls
Install and maintain firewalls and segmentation.
Secure Configurations
Harden systems; avoid defaults and insecure services.
Protect Stored Data
Limit, hash, or encrypt cardholder data at rest.
Encrypt Transmission
Use strong crypto for data in transit.
Malware Protection
Detect and prevent malicious software.
Secure Development
Maintain secure systems and software lifecycle.
Access by Need-to-Know
Restrict data access to business need.
Identity & Authentication
Identify users and enforce strong auth.
Physical Access
Restrict physical access to systems and media.
Logging & Monitoring
Log and monitor access to systems and data.
Testing & Scans
Regular testing incl. ASV scans and penetration tests.
Security Policies & Program
Formalize policies and governance for PCI.

How PCI DSS is Applied

Follow a guided lifecycle: scope, segment, implement, validate, then continuously monitor and test.

Validation & Evidence
1
Step 1
Determine PCI scope: cardholder data environment (CDE) and flows.
2
Step 2
Segment networks to reduce scope; inventory system components.
3
Step 3
Choose validation path: SAQ type vs QSA-led ROC/AOC.
4
Step 4
Implement the 12 requirements and document controls.
5
Step 5
Run vulnerability management, logging, and change control.
6
Step 6
Perform quarterly ASV scans and annual penetration tests.
7
Step 7
Train staff; manage service providers with written agreements.
8
Step 8
Maintain evidence; review controls and remediate promptly.

SAQs

  • Self-assessment for eligible merchant profiles
  • Based on payment channels and data flows
  • Attestation of Compliance (AOC) after completion

ROC (QSA)

  • QSA-led Report on Compliance for providers
  • Suited for broader or higher-risk environments
  • Produces ROC and AOC for partners
Evidence checklist
  • Policies, procedures, change control
  • Data flows, CDE inventory
  • Segmentation configs, firewall rules
  • Logs, monitoring, ASV scans, pen tests
Industries That Require PCI DSS

Who Needs PCI DSS Compliance

Entities that store, process, or transmit cardholder data—or can affect its security—must comply with PCI DSS requirements.

eCommerce Merchants
Web checkout, gateways, and payment APIs.
Retail / POS
Point-of-sale terminals and store networks.
Payment Processors & Gateways
Transaction routing and card data handling.
SaaS Handling Payments
Subscription billing and embedded payments.
Hospitality
Hotel systems, reservations, and POS.
Healthcare Billing
Patient payments and revenue cycle systems.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to help plan your PCI journey.

What is PCI DSS?

A global payment security standard defining controls to protect cardholder data for merchants and service providers.

Who needs PCI compliance?

Any entity that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data or can impact its security must comply.

What are SAQs vs ROC/AOC?

SAQs are self-assessment questionnaires for certain merchant profiles; ROC/AOC are formal reports issued after a QSA assessment for broader or higher-risk environments.

Do ASV scans apply to all?

External vulnerability scans by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) are required for internet-facing systems within PCI scope.

Can tokenization reduce scope?

Yes. Using tokenization service providers and redirect flows can significantly reduce the CDE and validation burden.

How does PCI relate to SOC 2 / ISO 27001?

PCI is payment-specific. SOC 2 and ISO 27001 address broader security programs. Controls often overlap and can be mapped.

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