PCI DSS Overview
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Speak to a GRC expert
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Share on social media
What is PCI-DSS
Protecting cardholder data is mandatory—PCI-DSS ensures organizations securely process, store, and transmit credit card information.
PCI-DSS is a global data security standard
Designed to protect cardholder data in storage, processing, and transmission.
It applies to all entities handling credit or debit card information
Including merchants, service providers, and fintech platforms.
Developed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC)
And backed by major card brands like Visa and MasterCard since 2004.
PCI-DSS OverviewWhy PCI DSS Exists
Protect Cardholder Data
Reduce exposure across digital and physical touchpoints.
Unify Security Expectations
One global baseline, regardless of organization size.
Prevent Breaches Proactively
Focus on control design, not damage control.
Enable Safer Transactions
Foster trust from swipe to settlement.
What Falls Under PCI DSS
PCI scope extends beyond card data systems—any connected people, platforms, or pathways may fall under its lens.
Cardholder Data Environment (CDE)
Systems storing, processing, or transmitting card data directly.
Connected Systems
Anything touching or impacting the CDE—even indirectly.
Third-Party Service Providers
Vendors handling card data or supporting critical infrastructure.
Cloud Infrastructure
Shared responsibility models still require strong tenant controls.
E-commerce Platforms
Checkout pages, scripts, redirects—if data flows, scope follows.
Remote Access Points
VPNs, jump servers, support tools must be hardened too.
Continue Reading
Ready to learn more about Importance of PCI DSS?