PCI DSS
Industry standard protecting payment cardholder data environments
ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures payment card data for merchants via strict controls and audits, while ISO 30301 establishes records management systems for all organizations. Companies adopt PCI DSS contractually to avoid fines; ISO 30301 voluntarily for governance and certification.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0
Key Features
- 12 requirements across 6 control objectives for CHD protection
- 300+ granular sub-requirements ensuring technical security baseline
- Tiered merchant/service provider levels by transaction volume
- Quarterly ASV scans and annual penetration testing mandated
- v4.0 customized approaches with MFA and segmentation emphasis
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records Requirements
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for MSS integration
- Normative Annex A operational controls
- Risk-based records requirements analysis
- Flexible conformity pathways including certification
- Full records lifecycle management
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PCI DSS Details
What It Is
PCI DSS v4.0 (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a contractual industry framework mandating security for organizations storing, processing, or transmitting cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD). Its control-based approach organizes 12 requirements into 6 objectives, emphasizing data protection, vulnerability management, and monitoring.
Key Components
- 12 core requirements spanning network security, data protection, access controls, monitoring, testing, and policy.
- Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
- Tiered compliance (4 merchant levels, 2 service provider levels) via SAQ or ROC validation.
- v4.0 introduces customized/defined approaches and future-dated best practices.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation from card brands/acquirers to avoid fines, processing bans.
- Reduces breach risks/costs ($37/record avg.), builds customer trust.
- Enhances security hygiene, supports GDPR alignment.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate, validate (ASV scans, pentests).
- Applies globally to merchants/service providers; costs $5K-$200K+.
- Ongoing via Assess-Repair-Report cycle, QSA/ASV audits for high-volume entities.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 is the international standard specifying requirements for a Management System for Records (MSR). It provides a certifiable framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve records processes ensuring authoritative evidence of business activities. Applicable to any organization, it uses a High-Level Structure (HLS) with risk-based thinking across Clauses 4–10.
Key Components
- **HLS clauses 4–10Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- **Clause 8 and Annex A (normative)Records lifecycle controls (creation, capture, access, retention, disposition).
- Core principles: Authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability.
- Conformity options: Self-declaration, external confirmation, third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures compliance with legal/regulatory records requirements.
- Mitigates risks like evidence loss, litigation, non-compliance.
- Enhances efficiency, transparency, business continuity.
- Builds stakeholder trust via auditable governance.
- Integrates with ISO 9001, 27001 for competitive advantage.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: Gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits.
- Suited for all sizes/sectors; 9–18 months typical.
- Requires leadership commitment, training, system integration.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Protects payment card data storage/processing | Manages records systems for organizational evidence |
| Industry | Payment processing, merchants, service providers globally | All organizations, any sector, worldwide |
| Nature | Contractual standard, enforced by card brands | Voluntary certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | Quarterly scans, annual pentests, QSA audits | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | Fines, card processing bans, breach costs | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and ISO 30301
PCI DSS FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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