PCI DSS compliance checklist to protect guest data and build trust
Protect customer data by following these PCI DSS compliance principles. Learn risks, requirements, and how Paysafe PCI helps merchants stay compliant.
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a global standard governing the security of card transactions and the associated financial data. PCI DSS compliance is a mandatory requirement for any business that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. Non-compliance creates critical risks, such as data breaches and financial penalties, so it’s important that business operators understand their obligations under PCI DSS requirements.
What is PCI DSS compliance?
PCI DSS compliance requires businesses to adhere to six principles and 12 requirements governing the security of cardholder data. Their overall aim is to reduce incidences of data breaches and fraud while improving consumer data security and trust.
PCI DSS was developed by the PCI Security Standards Council, an industry body that includes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and other major payment networks. To achieve compliance, businesses must implement security procedures such as restricting access to cardholder data, encrypting data sent over open networks, maintaining an information security policy, and regularly testing security systems and processes.
PCI DSS compliance is mandatory for all businesses. In some jurisdictions, such as the EU, where it’s linked to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), PCI DSS may be legally enforceable. In any case, payment card networks make PCI DSS compliance a contractual requirement, so it’s not optional.
Achieve compliance with Paysafe PCI DSS-compliant solutions
Paysafe can help merchants achieve PCI DSS compliance through secure, seamless card processing, enabling them to accept payments worldwide. No matter where or how your customers want to pay, Paysafe’s end-to-end secure payment platform brings them all together with one single, compliant integration to card processing and gateway services.
The risks of PCI DSS non-compliance
Failure to comply with PCI DSS requirements can result in serious consequences for businesses.
Fines and penalties
Non-compliant businesses may be fined by regulators for a legal breach or by card networks for a contractual breach.
Liability for data breaches
If there is a data breach, non-compliance may also result in the business being held liable for any loss of sensitive data. This could include charges of fraud. European GDPR requires that any breach of personal data must be reported within 72 hours to avoid penalties.
Loss of payment processing privileges
Card networks or payment service providers may refuse to process payments for businesses that fail to demonstrate compliance with PCI DSS.
Higher transaction costs
Even if a business retains the ability to process payments, it may be subject to higher transaction costs due to increased business risk.
Reputational damage
Failure to comply with data security standards will result in a loss of customer trust and reputational damage, which may be irreparable.
PCI DSS requirements: PCI DSS checklist
There are several steps required for a business to achieve PCI DSS compliance.
Understand your scope
Define the scope of PCI DSS application by identifying all systems handling card data and mapping the flow of data across networks and applications.
Partner with a PCI DSS-compliant payment processor
Businesses must ensure that they choose a payment processing partner that adheres to PCI DSS compliance standards. Paysafe offers a range of industry-specific payment solutions that help merchants stay compliant with sector-specific requirements.
Protect cardholder data
Cardholder data should be protected in storage using encryption and masking protocols to prevent unauthorized access. Strong encryption should be used to protect data being sent over open, public networks.
Maintain a secure network
Businesses must build and maintain secure networks and systems to protect card data, including the use of firewalls and secure password protocols. The use of vendor-supplied passwords is expressly prohibited.
Implement access controls
Access to card data should be granted only based on business need. All business users should be assigned a unique ID for authentication of access requests.
Monitor and test
Businesses are required to track and monitor all access to cardholder data and associated network resources, to ensure that breaches are traceable. Regular testing of security systems and processes is also required to identify vulnerabilities.
Maintain policies
The company must maintain an information security policy that outlines how it protects cardholder data. Employees must receive training on the policy and on their role in ensuring payment security.
Partner with a PCI DSS-compliant payment processor today
Paysafe delivers secure, compliant card processing solutions that support merchants with their PCI DSS obligations. By partnering with us, your business can accept card payments from across the globe via a single integration with an easy-to-use checkout.
Learn more about PCI DSS-compliant card processing with Paysafe.
FAQs
What are the twelve requirements of PCI DSS compliance?
The 12 requirements of PCI DSS compliance include the use of firewalls, encryption, and restricted access to protect cardholder data in various scenarios. The full list of requirements can be found in the PCI Security Council’s Quick Reference Guide.
What are the six major principles of PCI DSS?
The 6 major principles of PCI DSS include building and maintaining a secure network and systems and protecting cardholder data. The full list of principles can be found in the PCI Security Council’s Quick Reference Guide.
Is PCI DSS compliance mandatory?
Yes, it’s contractually required by card networks to process payments, and may also be a legal requirement in some countries.