PCI DSS

PCI DSS is a global security standard maintained by the PCI Security Standards Council. It applies to any entity that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data or could affect the security of that data. The standard is organized into twelve core requirements covering areas such as network segmentation, access control, encryption, logging, vulnerability scanning, and security policy.

Version 4.0 of the standard introduced requirements for multi-factor authentication on all access to the cardholder data environment, not just remote access. It also expanded expectations around automated log monitoring and continuous security testing.

Compliance is validated through self-assessment questionnaires or on-site audits by qualified security assessors, depending on the organization’s transaction volume and risk profile. Non-compliance can result in fines, increased processing fees, or loss of the ability to process card payments.

For CIAM, PCI DSS is relevant when customer identity flows handle payment data or when the authentication system governs access to environments where cardholder data is stored.

Sources

• PCI Security Standards Council: https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/