What is the primary objective of **PCI DSS**?

**The primary objective of PCI DSS is to protect cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) through 12 requirements organized into six control objectives.** These include building secure networks, protecting CHD with encryption, vulnerability management, access controls, network monitoring, and maintaining security policies. Managed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) since 2006, PCI DSS v4.0 (mandatory post-March 31, 2024) emphasizes MFA, strong cryptography, and network segmentation for entities handling data from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **PCI DSS**?

**All merchants and service providers that store, process, or transmit cardholder data (CHD) or sensitive authentication data (SAD) are contractually required to comply with PCI DSS.** This applies universally via agreements with acquiring banks and payment brands, with merchants classified into four levels based on annual transaction volume (Level 1: 6 million+ transactions) and service providers into two levels. Even partial PAN (first 6/last 4 digits) triggers scope within the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).

Does **PCI DSS** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, PCI DSS requires external validation via Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs) for quarterly scans and Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) for Level 1 Report on Compliance (ROC).** Levels 2-4 use Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) with Attestation of Compliance (AOC), but all need ASV scans on external CDE-facing assets (CVSS >4 vulnerabilities fail scans, except DoS). v4.0 mandates detailed ROC/AOC reporting.

How often should an assessment for **PCI DSS** be performed?

**PCI DSS assessments must be performed annually for ROC/SAQ, with quarterly external ASV vulnerability scans.** Semi-annual firewall rule reviews and ongoing maintenance of 300+ controls/sub-requirements are required, as 47.5% of organizations fail to sustain compliance per Verizon's 2018 report. Pentests and internal scans occur per policy, with v4.0 emphasizing continuous monitoring.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **PCI DSS**?

**Non-compliance with PCI DSS results in contractual fines from payment brands, potential loss of card-processing privileges, and breach costs averaging $37 per record.** Additional risks include GDPR fines up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover, as CHD qualifies as personal data. Verizon notes 47.5% interim failure rate, leading to remediation, higher transaction fees, and reputational damage.

Can **PCI DSS** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**PCI DSS can be mapped to other international frameworks through its 12 requirements and granular controls.** While standalone, alignments exist via outcomes like encryption and access controls, enabling gap analysis for overlapping security baselines without formal cross-certification.

What is the first step to begin implementing **PCI DSS**?

**The first step to implement PCI DSS is scoping the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) via data flow diagrams and departmental interviews.** This identifies CHD/SAD flows to minimize scope through segmentation, followed by gap analysis against 12 requirements for SAQ/ROC pathway selection.

What is the primary objective of **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**The primary objective of MLPS 2.0 is to establish a graded cybersecurity protection system for all network operators in mainland China, ensuring security controls match the societal impact of system compromise.** It operationalizes Article 21 of China's Cybersecurity Law via five levels (1-5), with controls across infrastructure, operations, and data security per GB/T 22239-2019 standards.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**All network operators in mainland China must comply with MLPS 2.0, including domestic enterprises, foreign-invested companies, cloud providers, ISPs, and critical infrastructure operators.** This covers virtually any entity operating networks or information systems, affecting CISOs, CIOs, CTOs, legal officers, and executives in regulated sectors.

Does **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, MLPS 2.0 requires external expert review and third-party assessment for Level 2+ systems by licensed Chinese firms, followed by PSB approval.** Level 1 allows self-assessment; higher levels demand scoring ≥75/100 per GB/T 28448-2019, with documentation submission and potential on-site inspections.

How often should an assessment for **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** be performed?

**MLPS 2.0 assessments must be performed biennially for Level 2, annually for Level 3, semi-annually for Level 4, and as mandated for Level 5, plus upon material changes.** Self-inspections are ongoing; external evaluations by licensed firms ensure continuous compliance with GB/T standards.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**Non-compliance with MLPS 2.0 triggers administrative fines, corrective orders, system suspension, seizures, and criminal exposure.** Enforcement by PSBs includes publicized fines (e.g., multi-million RMB), reputational damage, contract losses, and operational sanctions like forced disconnection.

Can **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, MLPS 2.0 control domains (physical, network, data, governance) map to international frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST CSF.** Common baselines align, but MLPS adds mandatory grading, PSB enforcement, and China-specific elements like data localization.

What is the first step to begin implementing **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**The first step is program mobilization: appoint an executive sponsor (e.g., CISO), form a cross-functional team, and conduct asset discovery with impact-based classification.** Define network boundaries, map to Levels 1-5, and engage MLPS-qualified experts for Level 2+ per GB/T 22239-2019.

PCI DSS vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Standards Comparison

PCI DSS

Mandatory

2022

Industry standard protecting payment cardholder data security

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Mandatory

N/A

China's mandatory graded cybersecurity protection regime

Quick Verdict

PCI DSS secures cardholder data globally via contractual controls, while MLPS 2.0 mandates graded protection for all China networks under police oversight. Companies adopt PCI for payments, MLPS for legal China operations.

Payment Security

PCI DSS

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

12 requirements across 6 control objectives protecting cardholder data
Tiered levels 1-4 for merchants based on transaction volume
Quarterly ASV vulnerability scans and QSA-conducted ROC audits
Mandatory network segmentation scoping Cardholder Data Environment
v4.0 mandates MFA, strong cryptography, third-party risk management

Standard

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Five-tier grading by societal impact of compromise
Mandatory for all China network operators
Technical/management controls per protection level
Expert review and PSB registration for Level 2+
Ongoing inspections and continuous re-evaluations

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 globally mandated industry standard for entities handling credit, debit, or prepaid card data from major brands like Visa and Mastercard. Managed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) since 2006, it protects cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) through a control-based approach with 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives.

Key Components

12 core requirements spanning secure networks, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, network monitoring, and personnel policies.
Over 300 sub-requirements and controls, updated in v4.0 (2022, mandatory 2024).
Tiered compliance: 4 merchant levels, 2 service provider levels; validated via Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), Report on Compliance (ROC) by Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs), and quarterly Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) scans.

Why Organizations Use It

Contractual obligation enforced by payment brands, avoiding fines, processing bans, and breach costs (~$37 per record).
Reduces fraud, ensures GDPR alignment, builds customer trust.
Provides competitive edge through demonstrated security maturity.

Implementation Overview

Define Cardholder Data Environment (CDE), conduct gap analysis, implement segmentation and controls.
Applies to all merchants/service providers globally handling CHD.
Involves annual/quarterly validations, ongoing maintenance amid evolving threats.

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details

What It Is

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) is China's mandatory regulatory regime for classifying and securing networks and information systems. Formalized via Ministry of Public Security regulations and GB/T standards like GB/T 22239-2019, it implements Article 21 of the Cybersecurity Law (CSL). Its core approach grades systems into five levels based on potential societal impact from compromise.

Key Components

Domains: physical/environmental, network, host/application, data security, operations/monitoring, governance/personnel.
Baseline controls plus level-specific extensions for cloud, IoT, ICS.
Compliance model: self-classification, expert review/registration (Level 2+), PSB enforcement.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for China network operators; fines, shutdowns for non-compliance.
Reduces breach risks, ensures resilience, enables government/SOE contracts.
Aligns with DSL/PIPL; builds trust, market access.

Implementation Overview

Phased program: mobilization, assessment/classification, remediation, verification/filing, operationalization. Targets all China-based orgs; requires Chinese documentation, audits for higher levels. (178 words)

Key Differences

Aspect	PCI DSS	MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Scope	Cardholder data protection	All networks and systems graded by impact
Industry	Payment processing globally	All sectors in mainland China
Nature	Contractual standard, fines via banks	Mandatory law, police enforcement
Testing	Quarterly scans, annual ROC/SAQ	Level-based expert reviews, periodic re-evals
Penalties	Fines, processing bans	Fines, suspensions, criminal exposure