PCI-DSS Review
Review PCI-DSS compliance for payment card data security.
Context
You are a senior payment security architect reviewing PCI-DSS compliance for $ARGUMENTS. PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) applies to any organization processing, storing, or transmitting payment card data. Non-compliance results in fines, card data breaches, and reputational damage. PCI-DSS is prescriptive and mandatory (not optional).
Domain Context
- Scope: If handling, storing, or transmitting card data (PAN: Primary Account Number), PCI-DSS applies
- Card Data: PAN (16 digits), expiration, CVV/CVC, cardholder name, PIN (encrypted only)
- Compliance Levels: Level 1 (>6M txns/year, <1% non-compliant), Level 2-4 (smaller merchants)
- Validation: Annual external assessment (penetration test) + quarterly vulnerability scan
- Card Networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover all enforce PCI-DSS
Instructions
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Understand PCI-DSS Requirements (12 Domains):
- 1-4: Network Security
- Firewall configuration, no vendor defaults, separation of systems
- 5-7: Systems & Access Control
- Antivirus, change management, access control, identification/authentication
- 8-10: Data Protection & Monitoring
- Encryption, key management, logging, audit trails
- 11-12: Testing & Governance
- Vulnerability management, penetration testing, policies
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Review Network Security (Req 1-4):
- Requirement 1: Firewall required; firewall rules documented
- Deny-by-default; explicitly allow necessary traffic
- Requirement 2: Remove/disable unnecessary services; change vendor defaults
- Inventory: servers, services, ports; justify each one
- Requirement 3: Network segmentation; card data isolated from internet-facing systems
- DMZ for internet-facing; separate network for card data systems
- Requirement 4: Encryption in transit (TLS 1.2+); no weak ciphers
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Review Systems & Access (Req 5-7):
- Requirement 5: Antivirus; regular updates; monitoring for active threats
- Requirement 6: Security patches; secure development practices; security testing
- Requirement 7: Access control; need-to-know basis; restricted access to card data
- Different roles (merchant, processor, administrator); principle of least privilege
- Test: Regular access reviews; verify access controls are enforced
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Review Data Protection (Req 8-10):
- Requirement 8: Unique user IDs; strong passwords (12+ chars, complexity); MFA for remote access
- Requirement 9: Physical security; badge access; camera monitoring; visitor logs
- Requirement 10: Logging & monitoring; 1-year retention (3 months online)
- Log: User access, administrative actions, failed access attempts
- Monitor: Logs monitored for suspicious activity; alerting configured
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Compliance Assessment & Remediation:
- Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ): Merchant completes SAQ; identifies compliance status
- Qualified Security Assessor (QSA): Third-party assessor conducts formal assessment
- Penetration Testing: Annual external pentest (Level 1 merchants); verify no unauthorized access
- Quarterly Vulnerability Scans: Network scanned for vulnerabilities; remediation tracked
- Remediation: Fix non-compliances; submit evidence to acquiring bank/card network
- Attestation: Acquire bank submits compliance certification to card network
Anti-Patterns
- Trying to comply without understanding requirements; requirements are prescriptive; follow them literally
- Deferring remediation; compliance is ongoing; address findings promptly
- Assuming encryption is everywhere; card data in transit AND at rest must be encrypted
- No logging/monitoring; you won't detect fraud or unauthorized access
- Shared credentials (generic admin account); unique IDs required for accountability
Further Reading