What It Is

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a global industry framework with 12 requirements across 6 control objectives. It mandates protection of cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) during storage, processing, and transmission for merchants and service providers. PCI DSS uses a prescriptive, control-based approach focused on technical and operational safeguards.

Key Components

• 12 core requirements: secure networks, CHD protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring/testing, and policies.
• Over 300 sub-requirements/controls for granular compliance.
• Principles of defense-in-depth and scope minimization via Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).
• Tiered model: 4 merchant levels, 2 service provider levels; validated by SAQ/ROC, QSA audits, ASV scans.

Why Organizations Use It

• Contractual mandate avoiding fines, card-processing bans, breach costs ($37/record avg.).
• Reduces fraud, ensures GDPR alignment, builds customer trust.
• Strategic risk mitigation amid rising threats like ransomware.
• Competitive advantage signaling robust payment security.

Implementation Overview

• Define CDE scope, segment networks, conduct gap analysis.
• Implement controls, perform pentests, quarterly ASV scans.
• Universal for card-handling entities globally, all sizes.
• Level 1: annual QSA ROC; others self-assess via SAQ. (178 words)

What It Is

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), officially Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a directly applicable EU regulation. Its primary purpose is protecting natural persons' rights regarding personal data processing, ensuring free data movement in the digital single market. It adopts a risk-based, accountability-driven approach, replacing the fragmented 1995 Data Protection Directive.

Key Components

• Seven core principles: lawfulness, fairness, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, plus accountability.
• Enhanced data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
• Obligations like DPIAs, DPO appointment, breach notification within 72 hours.
• Compliance model enforced by DPAs with fines up to 4% global turnover; one-stop-shop for cross-border cases.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for EU data processors; drives legal compliance, reduces risks from breaches/fines, builds stakeholder trust, enhances reputation, supports digital market competitiveness.

Implementation Overview

Gap analysis, policy updates, training, technical measures (privacy-by-design), audits. Applies globally to EU-targeted processing; challenging for SMEs; no certification but ongoing DPA oversight. (178 words)