Considering the spate of security risk associated with credit card transactions and data breaches, it has become imperative for organizations and businesses to keep pace with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance requirements. 

Under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), the compliance audit requirements apply to service providers and merchants that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card or debit card data. Furthermore, it has become imperative for all agencies and entities that store, process or transmit payment cardholder data to ensure that they are in full compliance given the increasing threat landscape and notable rise in occurrences of data breaches. 

As a result, it is has become increasingly pertinent for service providers processing over a million or more card driven transactions annually, and storing, or transmitting large volumes of card transactions annually to be audited for PCI DSS compliance. 

In addition, service providers and merchants that have experienced data breaches that compromised payment card data are also required to conduct an annual on-site audit for PCI compliance authorization.

The PCI DSS Compliance Audit Checklist (4.0)

The PCI DSS compliance requirements checklist comprises an information security framework with twelve (12) requirements as critical areas of priority and 281 directives for organizations gearing up for a PCI DSS Audit. Additionally, it is important to note that the up-to-date PCI-DSS version is 4.0, which is expected to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2022.  

Requirement 1: Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data.

Requirement 2: Eliminate vendor-supplier defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.

Requirement 3: Protect stored cardholder data.

Requirement 4: Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, and public networks

Requirement 5: Protect all systems against malware and update anti-virus software or programs regularly.

Requirement 6: Deploy secure systems and applications.

Requirement 7: Restrict access to cardholder data as necessary.

Requirement 8: Identify and authenticate access to system components.

Requirement 9: Restrict physical access to cardholder data.

Requirement 10: Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.

Requirement 11: Test security systems and processes regularly.

Requirement 12: Maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel.

Offering the best in class service, our team brings decades of experience in helping organizations obtain a PCI DSS Compliance Audit. We offer a proven approach executed by a highly qualified and experienced team. At DelNovak, we possess working knowledge to help develop an effective PCI DSS Compliance Audit strategy tailored to help your organization achieve PCI DSS compliance and reduce risks.

Contact us to discuss how we can be of service to helping your organization develop an effective PCI DSS Compliance and Audit strategy.

Keywords: PCI Data Security Standards, PCI Compliance Audit, PCI DSS compliance requirements checklist, Security Control Assessment.