PCI DSS
Industry standard for securing payment card data
ISO 20000
International standard for service management systems
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS mandates payment card security via 12 requirements for merchants, enforced contractually with fines. ISO 20000 certifies service management systems for reliable IT delivery. Organizations adopt PCI DSS for compliance, ISO 20000 for operational excellence.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0
Key Features
- 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
- 300+ granular sub-requirements for card data protection
- Contractual enforcement by payment brands and banks
- Network segmentation to reduce compliance scope
- Customized approaches in v4.0 for flexibility
ISO 20000
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Service management system requirements
Key Features
- Annex SL structure for ISO integration
- End-to-end service lifecycle controls
- PDCA-driven continual improvement
- Risk-based planning and leadership commitment
- Multi-supplier and assurance processes
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) v4.0 is a global industry framework for protecting cardholder data. It mandates technical and operational controls for entities storing, processing, or transmitting payment card information, using a control-based approach with 12 core requirements across 6 objectives.
Key Components
- 12 requirements covering network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, and policies.
- Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
- Defined/customized implementation paths; compliance via SAQ or ROC audits by QSAs/ASVs.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation for merchants/service providers to avoid fines, processing bans.
- Reduces breach risks/costs ($37/record avg.); builds customer trust.
- Enables secure payment processing amid rising threats.
Implementation Overview
- Scoping CDE, gap analysis, remediation, validation.
- Applies to all card-handling orgs globally; Levels 1-4 dictate audits.
- Ongoing Assess-Repair-Report cycle; quarterly scans, annual tests.
ISO 20000 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 is the international certification standard for establishing, implementing, and improving a service management system (SMS). It focuses on managing the full service lifecycle—planning, design, transition, delivery, and improvement—to ensure consistent, high-quality services. Built on Annex SL high-level structure and PDCA cycle, it emphasizes risk-based thinking and flexibility with frameworks like ITIL.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Operational domains: service portfolio, relationships, supply/demand, design/transition, resolution, assurance.
- Core processes: incident/problem management, change/release, configuration/asset, availability/continuity, security.
- Certifiable via accredited bodies with Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, recertification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives reliability, customer trust, risk reduction (e.g., 50% certificate growth).
- Enables market differentiation, SLA compliance, supplier governance.
- Integrates with ISO 9001, ISO 27001 for unified systems.
- Benefits: 69% trust boost, 59% service improvement (BSI survey).
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, design, deployment, audit (12-18 months typical).
- Involves policies, training, tooling, internal audits.
- Applies to all sizes/industries; voluntary but procurement-favored.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | ISO 20000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Payment card data security controls | IT service management system lifecycle |
| Industry | Payment processing, merchants, service providers | All service providers, IT, facilities, business services |
| Nature | Contractual security standard, voluntary certification | Management system standard, voluntary certification |
| Testing | Quarterly ASV scans, annual pen tests, QSA ROC | Internal audits, management reviews, Stage 1/2 certification |
| Penalties | Fines, card processing bans, GDPR fines | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and ISO 20000
PCI DSS FAQ
ISO 20000 FAQ
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