The Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard was developed by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB, MasterCard, and Visa to provide a common framework on how companies handling credit card data should protect that information. PCI security is enforced through annual audits and non-compliant organizations face a broad range of penalties, including large fines.  All merchants, whether small or large, need to be PCI compliant.

 PCI Quick reference guide.

 PCI DSS Version 1.2 launched October 1, 2008

PCI Data Security Standard stipulates that all Level 1 merchants -- those who process more than six million credit card transactions per year -- must do a yearly on-site audit of their security systems and procedures and quarterly network scans, Level 4 merchans can have to do self assesments and quaterly network scans, the assessment may be conducted by internal staff (and must include a sign off from a C-level officer) or by a third party.

The core of the PCI DSS is a group of principles and accompanying requirements, around which the specific elements of the DSS are organized:

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

The PCI DSS security requirements apply to all system components. “System components” are defined as any network component, server, or application that is included in or connected to the cardholder data environment. The cardholder data environment is that part of the network that possesses cardholder data or sensitive authentication data. Network components include but are not limited to firewalls, switches, routers, wireless access points, network appliances, and other security appliances. Server types include, but are not limited to the following: web,
application, database, authentication, mail, proxy, network time protocol (NTP), and domain name server (DNS). Applications include all purchased and custom applications, including internal and external (Internet) applications.

MVU Technologies can help your company to achieve PCI Compliance. Contact us for further information.