PCI DSS Requirements Fast Guide
In 2004, the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council created 6 control objectives and 12 specific requirements for protecting credit card data. Collectively, the control objectives and specific requirements are known as PCI DSS. All major credit card companies have mandated that members, merchants and service providers who store, process or transmit cardholder data must demonstrate how they follow the requirements. Failure to do so may result in fines or termination of credit card processing privileges.
| Build and maintain a secure network |
Requirement 1: Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data |
| Requirement 2: Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters | |
| Protect cardholder data |
Requirement 3: Protect stored cardholder data |
| Requirement 4: Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks | |
| Maintain a vulnerability management program |
Requirement 5: Use and regularly update anti-virus software |
| Requirement 6: Develop and maintain secure systems and applications | |
| Implement strong access control measures |
Requirement 7: Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know |
| Requirement 8: Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access | |
| Requirement 9: Restrict physical access to cardholder data | |
| Regularly monitor and test networks |
Requirement 10: Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data |
| Requirement 11: Regularly test security systems and processes | |
| Maintain an information security policy |
Requirement 12: Maintain a policy that addresses information security |
Continue reading about PCI DSS compliance:
The PCI DSS Security Standards Council provides a deeper explanation of each requirement.
Video guide: PCI DSS and the 12 Requirements
Guide to passing PCI's five toughest requirements
Visual timeline: The history of PCI DSS