PCI DSS
Industry standard for securing payment cardholder data
ISO 37301
International standard for compliance management systems
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS mandates payment card security via 12 requirements and audits for merchants, preventing breaches and fines. ISO 37301 provides certifiable CMS framework for all compliance risks, fostering culture and continual improvement across organizations.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0
Key Features
- 12 requirements across 6 objectives protecting cardholder data
- Over 300 granular sub-requirements for technical security
- Network segmentation to minimize Cardholder Data Environment scope
- Quarterly ASV scans and annual penetration testing mandated
- Prohibits sensitive authentication data storage post-authorization
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems
Key Features
- Certifiable requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
- Risk-based compliance obligations and planning
- Leadership commitment and organizational culture focus
- Whistleblowing channels with anti-retaliation protections
- HLS alignment for IMS integration
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) is a contractual security framework managed by the PCI Security Standards Council. It mandates technical and operational controls to protect cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) during storage, processing, and transmission. Structured around 12 requirements in 6 control objectives, it uses a control-based approach with over 300 sub-requirements.
Key Components
- 12 requirements covering network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, and policies.
- Granular testing procedures and guidance.
- Levels 1-4 validation via SAQ, ROC, QSA, and ASV scans.
- v4.0 introduces customized approaches and future-dated requirements.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation for merchants/service providers handling card payments.
- Reduces breach risks, fines, and processing privilege loss.
- Builds customer trust and enables market access.
- Enhances overall cybersecurity hygiene.
Implementation Overview
- Scoping CDE, gap analysis, remediation, validation.
- Applies globally to all card-handling entities.
- Ongoing: quarterly scans, annual audits; costs $5K-$200K+.
ISO 37301 Details
What It Is
ISO 37301:2021 – Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use – is a certifiable international standard specifying requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving effective Compliance Management Systems (CMS). It applies a risk-based approach using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and High-Level Structure (HLS) for broad applicability across organizations.
Key Components
- **Leadership and commitmentTop management accountability, policy, culture.
- **PlanningCompliance obligations, risk assessment, objectives.
- **SupportResources, competence (per ISO 37303), awareness, communication (whistleblowing).
- **OperationControls, third-party management, investigations.
- **Performance evaluationMonitoring, audits, management reviews (per ISO 37302).
- **ImprovementNonconformities, continual enhancement. Supports certification via accredited bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Provides third-party certification for stakeholder assurance.
- Mitigates regulatory, legal, reputational risks.
- Integrates with ISO 9001, 14001, 27001.
- Builds integrity culture, whistleblower protections.
- Addresses ESG, climate obligations (Amd 1:2024); boosts trust, efficiency.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: context analysis, register building, controls rollout, audits. Suitable for all sizes/sectors; certification involves initial audit, 3-year surveillance.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | ISO 37301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Payment card data security controls | All compliance obligations management |
| Industry | Payment processing, merchants globally | All sectors, organizations worldwide |
| Nature | Contractual standard, voluntary certification | Certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | Quarterly scans, annual pentests, QSA/ROC | Internal audits, management reviews, certification |
| Penalties | Fines, card processing bans, breach costs | Loss of certification, no direct penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and ISO 37301
PCI DSS FAQ
ISO 37301 FAQ
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