PCI DSS
Global standard for securing payment cardholder data
GLBA
U.S. regulation for financial privacy and data safeguards
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS mandates card data security for payment processors via audits and scans, while GLBA requires privacy notices and security programs for financial institutions. Companies adopt PCI DSS contractually to process cards; GLBA for regulatory compliance and consumer trust.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Key Features
- 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
- 300+ granular controls for cardholder data protection
- Contractual enforcement with fines and processing bans
- Mandatory quarterly ASV scans and annual pentests
- Network segmentation to minimize compliance scope
GLBA
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)
Key Features
- Privacy notices and opt-out rights for NPI sharing
- Written information security program with safeguards
- Qualified Individual designation and board reporting
- 30-day FTC breach notification for 500+ consumers
- Service provider oversight and risk assessments
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. It mandates protection of cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) for merchants and service providers handling payment cards. Organized into 12 requirements under 6 control objectives, it uses a control-based approach with over 300 sub-requirements.
Key Components
- Core pillars: secure networks, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, and policies.
- Granular controls tested via SAQs, ROCs, ASV scans, and pentests.
- Built on Assess-Repair-Report cycle; v4.0 adds customized approaches.
- Compliance levels (1-4) based on transaction volume.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for card processors to avoid fines, bans, breach costs.
- Reduces fraud, builds trust, minimizes $37/record breach expenses.
- Enhances risk management, vendor oversight; competitive edge via badges.
Implementation Overview
- Scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate controls, validate annually.
- Applies globally to all sizes handling cards; QSA audits for Level 1. (178 words)
GLBA Details
What It Is
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) is a U.S. federal regulation enacted in 1999, establishing baseline protections for consumer financial privacy and data security. It targets financial institutions handling nonpublic personal information (NPI) through a risk-based approach via the Privacy Rule and Safeguards Rule.
Key Components
- **Privacy Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 313)Mandates initial/annual notices and opt-out rights for NPI sharing with nonaffiliated third parties.
- **Safeguards Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 314)Requires a comprehensive written information security program with administrative, technical, and physical safeguards; includes nine core elements like risk assessments and Qualified Individual oversight.
- **Pretexting provisionsProhibits obtaining NPI under false pretenses. Compliance is enforced by FTC for non-banks, with no formal certification but ongoing audits.
Why Organizations Use It
GLBA ensures legal compliance, mitigates enforcement risks (fines up to $100,000/violation), enhances cybersecurity resilience, builds customer trust, and supports vendor oversight amid rising breaches.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping NPI, risk assessments, policy development, technical controls (encryption, MFA), training, testing, and board reporting. Applies to broad financial entities (banks, fintechs, tax firms); suitable for all sizes, with scaled requirements for small firms.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | GLBA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Protects cardholder data storage/processing/transmission | Protects nonpublic personal information security/privacy |
| Industry | Payment card merchants/service providers globally | Financial institutions including non-banks (US-focused) |
| Nature | Contractual standard enforced by card brands | Federal regulation enforced by FTC/banking regulators |
| Testing | Quarterly ASV scans, annual pentests by QSA/ASV | Periodic risk assessments, vulnerability/penetration testing |
| Penalties | Fines, loss of processing privileges by brands | Civil penalties up to $100K/violation, imprisonment |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and GLBA
PCI DSS FAQ
GLBA FAQ
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