Standards Comparison

    PCI DSS

    Mandatory
    2022

    Industry standard for securing payment cardholder data

    VS

    ISO 41001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for facility management systems

    Quick Verdict

    PCI DSS mandates payment card security for merchants via audits and scans to prevent breaches, while ISO 41001 provides voluntary FM system certification for all sectors to align facilities with strategy and sustainability. Organizations adopt PCI DSS contractually; ISO 41001 for efficiency.

    Payment Security

    PCI DSS

    Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
    • Over 300 granular sub-requirements and testing procedures
    • Contractual enforcement via payment brands and acquirers
    • Merchant levels 1-4 based on transaction volume
    • Network segmentation to reduce compliance scope
    Facility Management

    ISO 41001

    ISO 41001:2018 Facility management — Management systems — Requirements

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Distinguishes FM organization from demand organization
    • Aligns with ISO High-Level Structure and PDCA
    • Mandates stakeholder requirements lifecycle management
    • Requires risk planning for continuity and emergencies
    • Emphasizes operational coordination and service 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 an industry framework for protecting cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD). Developed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) in 2004, it mandates technical and operational controls for entities storing, processing, or transmitting payment card data. Its control-based approach organizes requirements into 6 objectives with 12 core requirements and 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.
    • Compliance levels for merchants/service providers based on transaction volume.
    • Validation via SAQ, ROC, ASV scans, and QSA audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Contractually required by payment brands for card handlers; non-compliance risks fines, processing bans. Reduces breach costs, builds trust, minimizes fraud via scope reduction (e.g., tokenization).

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate controls, validate. Applies globally to all sizes handling cards; v4.0 (2024) emphasizes MFA, segmentation, third-party oversight. Ongoing via quarterly scans.

    ISO 41001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 41001:2018 is a certifiable management system standard titled Facility management — Management systems — Requirements with guidance for use. It specifies requirements for an FM system to ensure effective, efficient delivery supporting demand organization objectives, stakeholder needs, and sustainability. It follows the High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–10: Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement.
    • FM-specific elements like stakeholder coordination, service integration, risk/continuity planning.
    • Built on process approach; Annex A provides guidance.
    • Certification via accredited third-party audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Strategic alignment of FM with business goals, cost/risk reduction.
    • Meets stakeholder/compliance needs; enhances sustainability.
    • Differentiates in tenders; builds trust via measurable performance.
    • Enables integrated management systems (IMS) with ISO 9001/14001.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, processes, audits, certification.
    • Involves leadership commitment, training, KPIs, supplier governance.
    • Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 6–24 months typical.
    • Requires internal audits, management reviews for certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    PCI DSS
    Payment card data security (CHD/SAD protection)
    ISO 41001
    Facility management system (services, assets, operations)

    Industry

    PCI DSS
    Payment processing, merchants, service providers globally
    ISO 41001
    All sectors (corporate, healthcare, public) worldwide

    Nature

    PCI DSS
    Contractual standard, enforced by card brands
    ISO 41001
    Voluntary certification management system standard

    Testing

    PCI DSS
    Quarterly ASV scans, annual pentests, QSA ROC/SAQ
    ISO 41001
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    PCI DSS
    Fines, processing bans, breach costs via contracts
    ISO 41001
    No penalties, loss of certification only

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about PCI DSS and ISO 41001

    PCI DSS FAQ

    ISO 41001 FAQ

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