Table of Contents
What is PCI Compliance?
PCI compliance, or payment card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance, is a set of security standards that aim to ensure the safe handling of sensitive information, such as credit card details.
The PCI DSS was developed by the PCI Security Standards Council to increase controls around cardholder data to reduce credit card fraud. Any organisation that accepts, processes, transmits or stores cardholder data must comply with PCI DSS. This protects cardholders and helps merchants avoid costly data breaches and fines from major credit card brands.
Why is PCI Compliance Important?
PCI compliance protects sensitive customer payment information from theft and misuse. The requirements are designed to prevent, detect and react to security incidents that could result in the compromise of cardholder data.
If your business accepts credit cards, you have a legal obligation to protect customer payment information. Failure to comply can result in fines based on incidents from the payment card brands. PCI compliance networks assure customers that their personal and financial information is secure when making purchases.
12 PCI Compliance Network Requirements
Now that we understand why PCI compliance is important, here are 12 key PCI compliance network requirements your systems and network must meet:
1) Install And Maintain A Firewall Configuration
All networks must have firewalls installed between any systems that store, process, or transmit cardholder data and an open, public network like the Internet. Firewalls are a fundamental part of any security strategy and enforce PCI Compliance by controlling network traffic and blocking unauthorised access.
2) Do Not Use Vendor-supplied Defaults For System Passwords And Other Security Parameters
Default passwords and security settings on devices will be a major risk if not changed. Attackers know the standard defaults and this can provide an easy way in. All default passwords must be changed, unique passwords must be implemented, and unnecessary default accounts removed as part of PCI Compliance.
3) Protect Stored Cardholder Data
If storing cardholder data, it must be strongly encrypted using validated cryptography. This applies to any data stored locally or in a cloud environment. Encryption is a core aspect of”PCI Compliance and helps protect sensitive data if a breach occurs.
4) Encrypt Transmission Of Cardholder Data Across Open, Public Networks
All systems must encrypt cardholder data during transmission over public networks using strong cryptography and security protocols. This includes point-of-sale systems, payment gateways and any other location transmitting credit card details. Encryption during transmission is a vital factor.
5) Use And Regularly Update Anti-virus Software
Unprotected systems can easily become infected with malware that may steal payment details. Anti-virus software must be used on all systems and configured to automatically update. As new viruses emerge, it is important to keep anti-virus definitions current as part of an organisation’s compliance.
6) Develop And Maintain Secure Systems And Applications
All systems and software must be protected against known vulnerabilities by installing vendor-supplied security patches. All components must also be reviewed periodically for any potential coding vulnerabilities. Application testing is critical for validating compliance with PCI.
7) Restrict Access To Cardholder Data By Business Need To Know
Access to sensitive cardholder information should be limited only to employees who need it for their job functions. Tightly controlling and monitoring access helps enforce least privilege and assists with incident response per the PCI Compliance network requirements.
8) Assign A Unique Id To Each Person With Computer Access
Each user must be assigned a unique ID so activities can be traced back to specific individuals. Tying actions to individual accounts promotes accountability and streamlines auditing.
9) Restrict Physical Access To Cardholder Data
Protect sensitive information by limiting physical access to data and encryption keys. Store media and paper records securely and destroy them securely when no longer needed. The PCI Compliance includes protecting data whether in electronic or physical form.
10) Track And Monitor All Access To Network Resources And Cardholder Data
Monitoring and logging all access to cardholder data is essential to identify and respond to unauthorised access or suspicious activity. Businesses must implement comprehensive logging mechanisms to track all access to network resources and sensitive data.
11) Regularly Test Security Systems And Processes
Security systems and processes must be regularly tested to ensure they are functioning as intended. This includes vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and monitoring for potential threats. This ensures that businesses are proactive in identifying and mitigating security risks before they become critical issues.
12) Maintain An Information Security Policy
Documented security policies and procedures must be established, published, and kept current. This includes policies for data classification, access controls, and defining acceptable network activities. Maintaining robust security policies demonstrates adherence to the PCI Compliance.
By implementing the necessary network security controls outlined here, merchants can achieve robust PCI DSS compliance that protects sensitive payment information and meets contractual obligations to payment brands.
Get Your PCI DSS Compliant Payment Solutions With NTT DATA Payment Services India
PCI compliance is essential for any business that handles credit card data, as it plays an important role in safeguarding sensitive payment information. While it requires continuous effort, non-compliance poses far greater risks.
NTT DATA Payment Services India offers a PCI DSS-compliant payment solutions to advance your business. From online payment gateway and mPOS to IVR payments and Bharat QR Scan and Pay, we ensure convenience and safety for all your payments.
Conclusion:
Implementing the 12 PCI Compliance network requirements outlined above will help businesses securely protect cardholder data and remain compliant with payment card industry standards. Firewalls, access controls, encryption, patching, monitoring and other security best practices must be diligently followed to reduce the risk of data breaches.
FAQs
1) What is PCI compliance?
PCI compliance is a set of security standards that aim to ensure the safe handling of sensitive information, such as credit card details. Any organisation that accepts, processes, transmits or stores cardholder data must comply with PCI DSS.
2) Why is PCI compliance important?
PCI compliance protects sensitive customer payment information from theft and misuse. It prevents, detects and helps react to security incidents that could result in compromised cardholder data. Failure to comply can result in fines from payment card brands.
3) What are the 12 PCI compliance network requirements?
The 12 requirements are: install firewalls, change default passwords, encrypt stored data, encrypt transmitted data, use updated anti-virus, develop secure systems/applications, restrict data access, assign unique IDs, restrict physical access, monitor access, regularly test security, and maintain security policies.
4) Is PCI compliance a one-time effort or a continuous process?
PCI compliance is an ongoing effort that requires continuous monitoring and management. Regular testing and security reviews are needed to identify new risks or control deficiencies over time.
5) What happens if cardholder data is breached?
If a data breach occurs involving cardholder data, the merchant must promptly address the incident and notify the payment card brands. They may face fines, lost card processing privileges or other consequences depending on the scale of the breach.
