PCI DSS vs AS9120B
PCI DSS
Global standard for securing payment cardholder data
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for parts distributors.
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures cardholder data for payment processors via strict controls and audits, while AS9120B ensures quality management for aerospace distributors through traceability and counterfeit prevention. Organizations adopt PCI DSS for contractual compliance; AS9120B for supply chain access.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Key Features
- 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
- Over 300 granular sub-requirements and testing procedures
- Contractual enforcement by card brands and acquirers
- Network segmentation to minimize compliance scope
- Quarterly ASV scans and annual penetration testing
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems for Distributors
Key Features
- Prevents counterfeit and unapproved parts entry
- Ensures robust product traceability and chain-of-custody
- Strengthens external provider evaluation and controls
- Implements distribution-specific configuration management
- Mandates product safety and ethical awareness training
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) is an industry-mandated framework for protecting cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD). It applies to merchants and service providers handling payment cards, using a control-based approach with prescriptive requirements.
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 SAQs or QSA-led ROCs; levels based on transaction volume.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation from card brands to avoid fines, processing bans.
- Reduces breach risks/costs ($37/record avg.); builds customer trust.
- Enhances security hygiene, aligns with GDPR; competitive edge for payment processors.
Implementation Overview
- Assess-Repair-Report cycle: scope CDE, remediate gaps, validate annually.
- Key activities: segmentation, encryption, MFA, scans/pentests.
- Universal for card handlers; v4.0 is the mandatory standard, costs $5K-$200K+.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system (QMS) standard for organizations distributing aviation, space, and defense parts without altering characteristics. Built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause high-level structure, it employs a risk-based, PDCA approach to address distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements in Clauses 4-10
- Pillars: context/leadership, planning/support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, supplier controls), evaluation, improvement
- Core: chain-of-custody preservation, configuration management
- Certification model via accredited bodies, IAQG OASIS listing
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial gatekeeper for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains
- Mitigates counterfeit infiltration, documentation errors
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables market access (2,442 global certifications)
- Drives efficiency, reduces NCRs, enhances competitiveness
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months)
- Targets distributors globally, scalable by size
- Involves risk registers, internal audits, Stage 1/2 certification
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Protects cardholder data storage, processing, transmission | Quality management for aerospace parts distribution, traceability |
| Industry | Payment card handling merchants, service providers globally | Aerospace distributors, stockists worldwide |
| Nature | Contractual security standard, enforced by card brands | Voluntary QMS certification standard by IAQG |
| Testing | Quarterly ASV scans, annual ROC/SAQ by QSA/ASV | Internal audits, management reviews, 3-year certification audits |
| Penalties | Fines, loss of card processing privileges, breach costs | Loss of certification, market exclusion, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and AS9120B
PCI DSS FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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