PCI DSS
Global standard for protecting payment cardholder data
EPA
U.S. federal regulations for environmental protection compliance
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures payment card data for merchants via contractual audits and scans, preventing fraud. EPA enforces environmental regs across industries through monitoring and permits, protecting health. Companies adopt PCI DSS to process cards; EPA to avoid massive fines and shutdowns.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Key Features
- 12 requirements across 6 control objectives protecting CHD
- 300+ granular sub-requirements with testing procedures
- Merchant/service provider levels by transaction volume
- Quarterly ASV scans and annual penetration testing
- Contractual enforcement via fines and processing bans
EPA
U.S. EPA Environmental Regulations (40 CFR)
Key Features
- Multi-statute standards for air, water, waste
- Technology-based and health-based limits
- Facility-specific permitting (NPDES, Title V)
- Mandatory monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping
- Strict civil/criminal enforcement pathways
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 a contractual security framework managed by the PCI Security Standards Council. Its primary purpose is protecting cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) for entities storing, processing, or transmitting payment card information. It uses a control-based approach with prescriptive technical and operational requirements.
Key Components
- 12 core requirements grouped into 6 control objectives (e.g., secure networks, vulnerability management, access controls).
- Over 300 sub-requirements and testing procedures.
- Merchant/service provider levels (1-4) based on transaction volume.
- Compliance via SAQ, ROC, QSA audits, and ASV scans.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation from card brands to avoid fines, bans.
- Reduces breach risks, builds customer trust.
- Enhances security hygiene, supports risk management.
- Competitive edge in payment processing.
Implementation Overview
- Assess-Repair-Report cycle with scoping, gap analysis, remediation.
- Applies to all card-handling organizations globally.
- Involves audits, quarterly scans; v4.0 emphasizes MFA, segmentation.
EPA Details
What It Is
EPA refers to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's family of legally binding regulations implementing major statutes like the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Its primary purpose is protecting human health and the environment through standards codified in 40 CFR. The approach combines technology-based controls, health-based ambient criteria, and risk management via permits and enforcement.
Key Components
- Core pillars: air (NAAQS, MACT), water (effluent guidelines, NPDES), waste (TSDF standards).
- Hundreds of numeric limits, thresholds, monitoring methods.
- Built on statutory authority, permitting, self-monitoring, and enforcement.
- Compliance via site-specific permits; no central certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for regulated industries to avoid penalties, shutdowns.
- Manages legal risks, ensures operational continuity.
- Drives efficiency, ESG alignment, stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, controls, training, audits.
- Applies to manufacturers, energy, waste sectors nationwide.
- Ongoing audits, e-reporting; state variations require layered compliance.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | EPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Payment card data security (CHD/SAD) | Environmental protection (air, water, waste) |
| Industry | Payment processing, merchants, service providers | All industries with emissions, discharges, waste |
| Nature | Contractual standard, enforced by brands | Federal regulations, enforced by EPA/states |
| Testing | Quarterly scans, annual pentests, QSA audits | Monitoring, sampling, inspections, DMR reporting |
| Penalties | Fines, processing bans, GDPR linkage | Civil penalties, injunctions, criminal liability |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and EPA
PCI DSS FAQ
EPA FAQ
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