What are the 12 requirements of PCI DSS compliance?

PCI DSS requirement 1 states that organizations must install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data.

Firewall configurations must be designed to protect the cardholder data environment from unauthorized access, both inbound and outbound.

Organizations must also ensure that the firewall configuration is reviewed and updated regularly, as necessary, to include any new security patches or updated security configurations.

PCI DSS requirement 2 requires organizations to not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.

Organizations must create their own unique passwords and other security parameters and not use defaults supplied by the vendor.

This requirement is intended to ensure that organizations know and can control the level of access to their environment. Organizations must also update these passwords and security parameters on a regular basis.

Organizations must protect cardholder data with encryption, passwords, and physical security measures, restricting access to only those personnel who need it for their job duties.

Organizations must also regularly monitor and test the security of any systems that store, process, or transmit cardholder data.

PCI DSS requirement 4 states that all cardholder data must be encrypted when transmitted across open, public networks. This includes using secure encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS or IPsec to protect cardholder data as it is being sent from one point to another.

This requirement is intended to ensure that cardholder data is not disclosed to unauthorized third parties when it is being moved from one system to another.

PCI DSS requirement 5 states that organizations must protect all systems against malware and regularly update antivirus software or programs.

This includes implementing antivirus software on all systems commonly affected by malware, as well as regularly updating the software and running regular scans.

Organizations must also develop and implement procedures to prevent and detect malicious software on all systems.

PCI DSS requirement 6 is designed to ensure that organizations have secure systems and applications in place to protect cardholder data. It requires that organizations implement strong security measures in the development, maintenance, and monitoring of all applications.

Organizations must ensure that all systems and applications are securely configured to protect cardholder data and be patched and updated regularly. In addition, organizations must ensure that all vulnerabilities are addressed and that any third-party security assessments are conducted regularly.

PCI DSS requirement 7 states that organizations must restrict access to cardholder data to only those individuals who need it to perform their job duties. This means that access to cardholder data should be based on the principle of least privilege, and that access should be granted only after proper authorization.

Organizations should regularly review access rights to ensure that access is only granted to those who need it. All access should be documented and monitored.

PCI DSS requirement 8 states that organizations must identify and authenticate access to system components. This means that they must ensure that only authorized users have access to cardholder data, and that only authorized personnel are allowed to make changes to or access systems.

Organizations must also use strong authentication mechanisms such as passwords, digital certificates, biometrics, or token-based authentication. Access to cardholder data must be limited to only those who need it to perform their duties.

PCI DSS requirement 9 mandates organizations to restrict physical access to cardholder data by implementing physical security measures to protect systems that store cardholder data. This includes limiting access to authorized personnel, and using locks, alarms, and other physical security measures.

Organizations must regularly monitor and test physical security measures and monitor and escort visitors to their premises.

PCI DSS requirement 10 states that organizations must track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data. This includes tracking the user identity, type of access, and date and time of access.

Organizations must also create audit logs that record all system activities related to the processing, storage, and transmission of cardholder data. The audit logs must be reviewed and monitored regularly, and kept for a minimum of one year. Any exceptions or suspected data breaches must be promptly investigated.

PCI DSS requirement 11 states that organizations must periodically test their security systems and processes for vulnerabilities and security issues, and assess staff's ability to detect and respond to security incidents.

Additionally, organizations should conduct penetration tests, external and internal vulnerability scans, and other security-related tests to help identify any risks or weaknesses in their system.

PCI DSS requirement 12 mandates organizations to maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel. The policy must include topics such as the proper use of networks, systems, and applications, information security incident response procedures, and acceptable use of software and hardware.

It should also include procedures for effective monitoring and reporting of information security incidents, and outline the roles and responsibilities of personnel in relation to information security.