PCI DSS
Industry standard for securing payment cardholder data
IFS Food
International standard for food safety and process compliance.
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures payment card data for merchants globally via audits and scans, while IFS Food ensures safe food manufacturing through on-site process audits. Organizations adopt PCI DSS for contractual compliance; IFS Food for retailer market access.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Key Features
- 12 requirements across 6 control objectives protecting cardholder data
- Over 300 granular sub-requirements for technical security controls
- Contractual enforcement with fines and processing privilege revocation
- Merchant levels dictating SAQ or QSA-led ROC validation
- CDE scoping and network segmentation minimizing compliance scope
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with audit trails
- Minimum 50% on-site production evaluation
- Risk-based traceability testing during audits
- Knock-Out requirements for critical controls
- Food fraud and defense vulnerability assessments
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PCI DSS Details
What It Is
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a contractual industry framework with 12 requirements in 6 control objectives. It mandates protection of cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) for entities storing, processing, or transmitting payment card information.
Key Components
- **12 core requirementsnetwork security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring/testing, policies.
- 300+ sub-requirements and testing procedures.
- Validation via SAQ (self-assessment) or ROC (QSA audit) based on transaction levels.
- PCI DSS v4.0 adds MFA, customized approaches, third-party oversight.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandate from card brands to avoid fines, bans, breach costs ($37/record avg.).
- Minimizes fraud, builds trust, meets GDPR overlaps.
- Drives cybersecurity maturity, competitive edge.
Implementation Overview
- Scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate, validate quarterly scans/annually.
- Global applicability to merchants/service providers all sizes.
- Ongoing Assess-Repair-Report cycle with QSA/ASV audits.
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for auditing product and process compliance in food manufacturing. It focuses on ensuring safe, legal, authentic products meeting customer specifications via a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA).
Key Components
- Organized into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls (e.g., allergens, fraud, defense), and performance monitoring.
- Over 200 checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
- Built on HACCP principles, prerequisite programs, and annual audits.
- Two levels: Higher Level (≥95%) and Foundation Level (≥75%).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets European retailer demands for private-label supply.
- Reduces duplicate audits, enhances market access.
- Mitigates risks like recalls, fraud; builds trust.
- Drives continuous improvement via scoring and reviews.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, validation, certification audit.
- Applies to food processors globally, site-specific.
- Requires accredited bodies, PPA audits (≥50% on-site), unannounced options.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | IFS Food |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Protects cardholder data storage, processing, transmission | Food safety, quality, legality in manufacturing, packing |
| Industry | Payment processing, merchants, service providers globally | Food manufacturers, packagers, primarily European retailers |
| Nature | Contractual security standard, voluntary certification | GFSI-benchmarked audit standard, voluntary certification |
| Testing | Quarterly ASV scans, annual pentests, QSA ROC/SAQ | Annual on-site audits, product sampling, traceability tests |
| Penalties | Fines, loss of card processing, contractual bans | Certification denial, no certificate issuance |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and IFS Food
PCI DSS FAQ
IFS Food FAQ
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