PCI DSS
Industry standard for payment card data security
ISO 27017
International code of practice for cloud security controls
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS mandates cardholder data security for payment processors via 12 requirements and audits, while ISO 27017 provides voluntary cloud control guidance within ISO 27001 ISMS. Organizations adopt PCI DSS contractually to avoid fines; ISO 27017 for cloud risk management and assurance.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Key Features
- 1. 300+ granular controls protecting cardholder data
- 2. 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
- 3. Compliance levels scaled by transaction volume
- 4. Mandatory quarterly ASV vulnerability scans
- 5. v4.0 mandates MFA and third-party risk
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud controls
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for multi-tenancy segregation
- Extends ISO 27002 for cloud environments
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud activities
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 industry standard launched in 2004 by major card brands (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), managed by the PCI Security Standards Council. It protects cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) for entities storing, processing, or transmitting it. PCI DSS uses a prescriptive control-based approach with 12 requirements under 6 objectives.
Key Components
- 12 requirements covering secure networks, CHD protection, vulnerability management, access controls, network monitoring, and personnel policies.
- Over 300 sub-requirements and testing procedures.
- Compliance model with 4 merchant levels and 2 service provider levels, validated via SAQ or ROC plus ASV scans.
Why Organizations Use It
PCI DSS fulfills contractual mandates from payment brands, preventing fines, processing bans, and breach costs ($37/record avg.). It reduces fraud risks, builds customer trust, aids GDPR compliance, and ensures payment processing viability in a digital economy.
Implementation Overview
Start with CDE scoping and gap analysis, implement controls like encryption/MFA, validate via QSA audits and quarterly ASV scans. Applies globally to all sizes handling CHD; ongoing maintenance challenges many (47.5% fail rate).
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice for information security controls tailored to cloud services. It extends ISO/IEC 27002 by providing cloud-specific implementation guidance and addresses shared responsibilities between cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers (CSCs) using a risk-based approach within an ISO 27001 ISMS.
Key Components
- Additional guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls plus 7 cloud-specific CLD controls (e.g., shared roles, VM segregation, asset removal)
- Covers domains like access control, operations security, supplier relationships
- Integrates seamlessly with ISO 27001; assessed during its certification, no standalone cert
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates robust cloud security for procurement and trust
- Reduces risks from multi-tenancy, misconfigurations
- Supports compliance with GDPR, CCPA via enhanced controls
- Provides competitive differentiation for CSPs/CSCs
Implementation Overview
- Map to existing ISO 27001 ISMS; conduct cloud risk assessments
- Implement segregation, monitoring, responsibility matrices
- Suited for CSPs/CSCs globally, all sizes; joint audits 9-12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and ISO 27017
PCI DSS FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
ISO 27701 2025 Update: Navigating Standalone Certification Myths, Audit Realities, and a 90-Day PIMS Launch Plan
Debunk ISO 27701 2025 standalone certification myths vs ISO 27001. Get a 90-day PIMS launch roadmap, checklists & audit prep to certify faster amid global priva
Top 10 SOC 2 Mistakes Startups Make (and Fixes with Automation)
Avoid top 10 SOC 2 mistakes like scope creep & evidence gaps. See fail/pass visuals, client quotes, Vanta/Drata automation fixes for bootstrapped startups. Quic
Step-by-Step Implementation Guide to ISO 27701: Building a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) on Your ISO 27001 Foundation
Implement ISO 27701 on your ISO 27001 foundation with this actionable guide. Tackle PII controls, audit evidence, GDPR integration. Templates, checklists for 20
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
CE Marking vs CSA
Compare CE Marking vs CSA: Key differences in EU self-declaration vs Canadian certification. Master compliance for electrical products, standards, and global market access. Expert insights await!
TISAX vs SQF
Compare TISAX vs SQF: Automotive infosec (ISO 27001-based) vs GFSI food safety cert. Key diffs, implementation guides & strategies for supply chain compliance. Choose wisely!
ISO 20000 vs GDPR UK
ISO 20000 vs GDPR UK: Compare ITSM excellence with data protection rules. Align standards for secure services, risk reduction & compliance wins. Dive in now!