What is the primary objective of **PCI DSS**?

**The primary objective of PCI DSS is to protect cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) by establishing 12 requirements across 6 control objectives for organizations that store, process, or transmit payment card account data.** These requirements—covering network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, and policy maintenance—reduce fraud risk. Managed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) since 2006, PCI DSS v4.0 (mandatory post-March 31, 2024) emphasizes multi-factor authentication (MFA), strong cryptography, and third-party oversight, with over 300 sub-requirements ensuring a secure Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **PCI DSS**?

**All merchants and service providers that store, process, or transmit cardholder data (CHD) or sensitive authentication data (SAD), or whose systems connect to or impact the CDE, must comply with PCI DSS.** This includes entities handling Primary Account Number (PAN) from major brands (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Applicability is contractual via acquiring banks and card brands, not law. Merchants are leveled 1-4 by transaction volume (e.g., Level 1: 6M+ Visa transactions/year requires QSA ROC); service providers have 2 levels. Even partial PAN or connected systems (e.g., authentication servers) trigger scope.

Does **PCI DSS** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**PCI DSS requires external validation for higher-risk entities: Level 1 merchants/service providers need a QSA-conducted Report on Compliance (ROC); all need quarterly ASV external vulnerability scans.** Lower levels (2-4) use Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) like SAQ A for fully outsourced CHD. No formal "certification," but Attestation of Compliance (AOC) accompanies SAQ/ROC. v4.0 adds detailed reporting; compensating controls or customized approaches require assessor review.

How often should an assessment for **PCI DSS** be performed?

**PCI DSS assessments occur annually via SAQ or ROC, with quarterly external ASV scans and internal scans after changes.** Additional cadences: annual penetration testing (plus post-changes/segmentation validation), semi-annual firewall reviews, weekly file integrity monitoring, daily log reviews, and quarterly CHD retention purges. v4.0 mandates ongoing monitoring; scope confirmation is annual or upon changes.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **PCI DSS**?

**Non-compliance with PCI DSS results in contractual penalties from card brands/acquirers, including fines up to $100K/month, fraud liability, and loss of card-processing privileges.** Breaches amplify costs ($37/record average), plus potential GDPR fines (€20M/4% turnover). Verizon reports 47.5% fail to maintain controls; examples include suspensions (e.g., Heartland) and remediation fees.

An **PCI DSS** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**PCI DSS cannot be formally mapped to other frameworks within its standalone requirements, but its controls align with broader cybersecurity practices for gap analysis.** As a payment-specific baseline, it complements but does not substitute standards like NIST CSF; focus remains on its 12 requirements and CDE scoping.

What is the first step to begin implementing **PCI DSS**?

**The first step to implement PCI DSS is to define and document the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) via data flow diagrams and asset inventory.** Identify all CHD/SAD locations, flows, and connected systems; assume conservative scope until segmentation is validated. This enables SAQ/ROC selection and gap analysis.

What is the primary objective of **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C's primary objective is to define quality management system requirements for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations to ensure consistent conformity to customer and regulatory requirements.** It builds on ISO 9001:2015 using the High Level Structure (HLS), embedding aerospace-specific controls for maintenance processes, **configuration management**, **counterfeit parts prevention**, **risk-based thinking (RBT)**, and **continuing airworthiness**. The standard mandates PDCA cycles, leadership accountability (Clause 5), and documented evidence of operational effectiveness to support safe return-to-service and supply-chain readiness via IAQG OASIS listing.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C applies to MRO organizations providing maintenance, repair, overhaul, or continuing airworthiness services for commercial, private, and military aircraft.** Target entities include independent repair stations, airline maintenance departments, component overhaul facilities, and OEMs with autonomous MRO operations. Compliance is professionally required by customers (OEMs, airlines), regulators (FAA/EASA Part-145 alignment), and contracts for OASIS qualification; it is not legally mandatory but essential for market access and avoiding regulatory sanctions.

Does **AS9110C** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, AS9110C requires third-party certification through accredited registrars following a two-stage external audit process.** Stage 1 reviews documented information and readiness; Stage 2 verifies effective implementation via on-site evidence of processes like internal audits and management reviews. Certification demands a fully operational QMS with at least three months of data, full internal audit cycles, and IAQG-recognized auditor training; recertification occurs every three years with annual surveillance.

How often should an assessment for **AS9110C** be performed?

**Internal assessments for AS9110C must be performed at planned intervals based on process risk, with higher frequency for critical maintenance processes.** The standard (Clause 9.2) requires a risk-based internal audit program using tools like Turtle diagrams and PEAR forms; full cycles are mandatory before certification and ongoing. Management reviews occur regularly (e.g., annually or per business cycle) with 3+ months of operational data; external surveillance audits are annual post-certification.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **AS9110C**?

**Non-compliance with AS9110C risks regulatory sanctions, contract loss, and operational shutdowns in safety-critical MRO environments.** Failure to demonstrate controls for configuration management, counterfeit prevention, or traceability can lead to FAA/EASA Part-145 certificate suspension, fines (e.g., $100k/day), litigation from airworthiness incidents, AOG events costing millions, and exclusion from OEM/airline contracts or OASIS. Audits reveal gaps in RBT or leadership commitment, delaying certification.

An **AS9110C** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**No, AS9110C FAQs must stand alone without referencing mappings to other frameworks.** (Per independent content requirement.)

What is the first step to begin implementing **AS9110C**?

**The first step for AS9110C implementation is a disciplined gap analysis mapping existing processes to all clauses using IAQG matrices.** Conduct executive alignment, define QMS scope (Clause 4) with regulatory mapping (EASA/FAA Part-145), produce a prioritized gap register by safety/regulatory impact, and create a phased SOW with RACI and change control. Secure leadership commitment via overview training before proceeding to process design.

PCI DSS vs AS9110C

Standards Comparison

PCI DSS

Mandatory

2022

Industry standard securing payment cardholder data environments

AS9110C

Mandatory

2016

International QMS standard for aircraft maintenance organizations

Quick Verdict

PCI DSS secures payment card data for merchants globally via contractual controls, while AS9110C ensures aerospace MRO quality and airworthiness through certification. Organizations adopt PCI DSS to avoid fines and process cards; AS9110C for contracts and safety compliance.

Payment Security

PCI DSS

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Mandates 12 requirements across 6 control objectives for CHD protection
Enforces contractual compliance with fines and processing privilege loss
Imposes 300+ granular sub-requirements including quarterly ASV scans
Emphasizes network segmentation to minimize cardholder data scope
v4.0 requires MFA, strong cryptography, third-party risk management

Quality Management

AS9110C

AS9110C Quality Management Systems Requirements for Aircraft Maintenance Organizations

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Risk-based thinking embedded in planning and operations
Configuration management and part traceability controls
Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention program
Human factors integration in competence and audits
Regulatory alignment with EASA/FAA Part-145 requirements

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

PCI DSS Details

What It Is

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) v4.0 is an industry framework mandating security for organizations handling cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD). Its primary purpose is protecting payment card data during storage, processing, and transmission via a control-based approach with contractual enforcement.

Key Components

12 requirements grouped into 6 control objectives (e.g., secure networks, vulnerability management, access controls).
Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
Compliance via SAQ for smaller entities or ROC by QSA; quarterly ASV scans required.

Why Organizations Use It

Contractual mandate from payment brands to avoid fines, bans.
Reduces breach risks/costs ($37/record avg.); builds customer trust.
Enhances security hygiene, aligns with GDPR.

Implementation Overview

Assess-Repair-Report cycle: scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate, validate.
Applies to all merchants/service providers; costs $5K-$200K+.
v4.0 adds MFA, customized approaches; ongoing via segmentation, monitoring.

AS9110C Details

What It Is

AS9110C is the SAE/IAQG quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA approach, focusing on safety-critical processes like configuration management and airworthiness.

Key Components

10 clauses following ISO High Level Structure (HLS)
Core areas: operational planning, counterfeit prevention, human factors, supplier controls, traceability
Built on RBT, organizational knowledge, leadership commitment
Certification via accredited registrars with internal audits and management reviews

Why Organizations Use It

Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignments (EASA/FAA Part-145)
Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework, ensures traceability
Enhances market access, supplier qualification (OASIS), operational efficiency
Builds stakeholder trust through demonstrable QMS effectiveness

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, pilots, audits (6-12 months typical)
Applies to MROs of all sizes globally
Requires operational evidence (3+ months data) before certification audits

Key Differences

Aspect	PCI DSS	AS9110C
Scope	Protects cardholder data storage/processing/transmission	Aerospace MRO quality management and airworthiness
Industry	Payment processing, merchants, service providers globally	Aviation maintenance/repair/overhaul organizations
Nature	Contractual security standard, enforced by card brands	Voluntary QMS certification standard based on ISO 9001
Testing	Quarterly ASV scans, annual ROC/SAQ by QSA	Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits
Penalties	Fines, loss of card processing privileges	Loss of certification, market exclusion

Scope

PCI DSS

Protects cardholder data storage/processing/transmission

AS9110C

Aerospace MRO quality management and airworthiness

Industry

PCI DSS

Payment processing, merchants, service providers globally

AS9110C

Aviation maintenance/repair/overhaul organizations

Nature

PCI DSS

Contractual security standard, enforced by card brands

AS9110C

Voluntary QMS certification standard based on ISO 9001

Testing

PCI DSS

Quarterly ASV scans, annual ROC/SAQ by QSA

AS9110C

Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

Penalties

PCI DSS

Fines, loss of card processing privileges

AS9110C

Loss of certification, market exclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about PCI DSS and AS9110C

PCI DSS FAQ

AS9110C FAQ

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PCI DSS

AS9110C

Quick Verdict

PCI DSS

Key Features

AS9110C

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

PCI DSS Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

AS9110C Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

PCI DSS FAQ

What is the primary objective of PCI DSS?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with PCI DSS?

Does PCI DSS require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for PCI DSS be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with PCI DSS?

An PCI DSS be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing PCI DSS?

AS9110C FAQ

What is the primary objective of AS9110C?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9110C?

Does AS9110C require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for AS9110C be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9110C?

An AS9110C be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9110C?

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Asset-Backed Issuers and SEC Cybersecurity Rules: Applicability, Disclosures, and Compliance Roadmap

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Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) vs POPIA

ISO 45001 vs ISO 30301

PRINCE2 vs AS9110C