PCI DSS
Global standard protecting payment cardholder data
ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS mandates cardholder data security for payment processors via contractual audits, while ISO 27701 extends ISO 27001 for privacy governance in PII handling. Organizations adopt PCI DSS to avoid fines and retain processing rights; ISO 27701 for auditable privacy compliance.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Key Features
- 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
- 300+ granular sub-requirements for card data security
- Contractual obligation for merchants and service providers
- Network segmentation reduces compliance scope effectively
- Quarterly ASV scans and annual penetration testing
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management System
Key Features
- Establishes auditable Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
- Role-specific controls for PII controllers and processors
- Extends ISO 27001 with privacy risk management
- Maps to GDPR and global privacy regulations
- Supports 3-year certification with surveillance audits
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 an industry framework for securing payment card data. Managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, it mandates technical and operational controls for organizations storing, processing, or transmitting cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD). Its control-based approach focuses on protecting Primary Account Numbers (PAN) through prescriptive requirements.
Key Components
- 12 requirements grouped into 6 control objectives (e.g., secure networks, vulnerability management, access controls).
- Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
- Merchant/service provider levels (1-4) dictate validation via SAQ or ROC by QSAs/ASVs.
- v4.0 introduces customized approaches and phased future-dated controls.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandate from card brands/acquirers prevents fines, processing bans.
- Reduces breach costs ($37/record avg.), builds customer trust.
- Enhances risk management via segmentation, MFA.
Implementation Overview
Phased Assess-Repair-Report cycle: scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate controls, validate annually. Applies globally to card-handling entities; costs $5K-$200K+ for SMBs/enterprises.
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard defining requirements and guidance for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends the ISO 27001 information security framework to manage privacy risks for PII controllers and processors, using a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach to operationalize privacy governance.
Key Components
- **Clauses 4–10Core management system elements including context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
- **Annexes A/B~50 role-specific privacy controls (e.g., consent, DSARs, transfers, retention).
- Built on ISO/IEC 27001:2022/27002:2022; mappings to GDPR (Annex D).
- **CertificationAccredited third-party audits, 3-year cycle with surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
Organizations adopt it for GDPR/other law alignment, privacy risk reduction, integrated security/privacy governance, procurement differentiation, and stakeholder trust via auditable evidence.
Implementation Overview
Phased rollout: gap analysis, control implementation, internal audits, certification. Suits all sizes/industries processing PII; faster with existing ISMS.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cardholder data security in payment processing | Privacy management system for PII processing |
| Industry | Payment card handling merchants/service providers globally | All PII-processing organizations worldwide |
| Nature | Contractual standard enforced by payment brands | Voluntary certification extending ISO 27001 |
| Testing | Quarterly ASV scans, annual ROC/SAQ by QSA | Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, internal audits |
| Penalties | Fines, loss of card processing privileges | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and ISO 27701
PCI DSS FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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