PCI DSS
Industry standard protecting payment cardholder data security
FedRAMP
U.S. framework standardizing federal cloud security authorization
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures cardholder data for global merchants via 12 requirements and audits, while FedRAMP authorizes cloud services for U.S. federal agencies using NIST controls and 3PAO assessments. Merchants avoid fines; CSPs win government contracts.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
Key Features
- 12 requirements across 6 control objectives protect CHD
- Over 300 granular technical controls and sub-requirements
- Tiered levels for merchants and service providers
- Quarterly ASV scans and QSA audits required
- v4.0 mandates MFA, segmentation, third-party risk management
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Assess once, use many times reusability
- NIST 800-53 Rev 5 baselines by impact level
- Independent 3PAO security assessments
- Continuous monitoring with quarterly reports
- FedRAMP Marketplace for authorized CSPs
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PCI DSS Details
What It Is
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a contractual security framework for entities handling credit/debit card data from major brands. Managed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) since 2006, it protects cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) in storage, processing, and transmission. It uses a control-based approach with 12 mandatory requirements under 6 objectives.
Key Components
- 12 requirements in 6 control objectives: secure networks, protect CHD, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, policies.
- 300+ sub-requirements/controls in v4.0 (mandatory post-2024).
- Tiered model: 4 merchant levels, 2 service provider levels by transaction volume.
- Compliance via SAQ, QSA ROC, quarterly ASV scans.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandate to accept cards; avoids fines, processing bans.
- Cuts breach costs ($37/record avg.), overlaps GDPR penalties.
- Boosts trust, reduces fraud, meets stakeholder demands.
- Proactive security against ransomware/phishing.
Implementation Overview
- Scope CDE, diagram data flows, gap analysis.
- Deploy segmentation, MFA, encryption, patching.
- Global applicability to merchants/service providers; SMBs use SAQ, enterprises need audits.
- Ongoing: semi-annual reviews, quarterly scans. (178 words)
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is enabling "assess once, use many times" to reduce duplication, based on a risk-based approach using NIST SP 800-53 controls tailored to FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High).
Key Components
- **Three baselinesLow (~150 controls), Moderate (>320), High (>400), plus Low-Tailored/LI-SaaS for lighter workloads.
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M, continuous monitoring plans.
- Built on NIST 800-53 Rev 5; requires 3PAO independent assessments.
- Compliance via Agency or Program Authorization, listed on FedRAMP Marketplace.
Why Organizations Use It
- Unlocks federal contracts (e.g., $20M+ revenue potential).
- Mandatory for CMMC contractors; demonstrates mature security.
- Reduces risk, builds stakeholder trust, differentiates commercially.
Implementation Overview
- 12-18 month process: preparation, 3PAO assessment, authorization, monitoring.
- Involves documentation, control implementation, audits; suits CSPs targeting U.S. federal market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and FedRAMP
PCI DSS FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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