Demystifying PCI-DSS: A simple guide to payment security compliance

PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security requirements to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.  

What Is PCI-DSS? 

• PCI-DSS is a global standard that protects cardholder data and reduces credit card fraud. 

• Any business that handles credit card payments online or offline must comply with PCI-DSS. 

What Does PCI-DSS Require? 

PCI-DSS is built around 12 main requirements, grouped into six goals: 

• Build and maintain a secure network (e.g. use firewalls) 

• Protect cardholder data (e.g. encrypt stored data) 

• Maintain a vulnerability management program (e.g. update software) 

• Implement strong access control measures (e.g. restrict access) 

• Monitor and test networks regularly (e.g. track access to data) 

• Maintain an information security policy (e.g. train staff). 

How Do You Become PCI Compliant? 

1. Determine Your PCI Level: Your level depends on how many card transactions you process annually. Most small businesses are level 4 (the lowest) but check your transaction volume to be sure. 
2. Scope Your Environment: Identify all systems, people, and processes that touch cardholder data. The smaller your 'cardholder data environment', the easier compliance will be. 
3. Fill Out the Right Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ): There are different SAQs depending on how you process payments (e.g. online, in-person, or via terminal). Most small businesses need to answer a questionnaire about their security practices. 
4. Conduct Quarterly Vulnerability Scans: If your systems are connected to the internet, you'll need regular scans by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV). 
5. Submit Your Documents: Submit your completed SAQ Attestation of Compliance (AoC) and scan results to your payment processor or the PCI Council. 

Tips To Make PCI-DSS Simpler 

• Limit where card data is stored or processed: Use third-party payment processors (like Stripe or PayPal) so card data doesn't touch your systems, reducing your compliance burden. 

• Segment your network: Isolate systems that handle card data from the rest of your network to shrink the scope of compliance. 

• Restrict access: Only let necessary staff access cardholder data. 

• Regularly train staff: Ensure everyone knows how to handle card data safely. 

If you focus on minimising where and how you handle card data, PCI-DSS compliance becomes much less confusing and much easier to manage.  

Economit can help your business understand and meet these requirements. If you need assistance with PCI-DSS compliance, get in touch:  

Phone: 01332 447447 

Email: hello@economit.co.uk 

Website: www.economit.co.uk