PCI DSS
Global standard securing payment cardholder data environments
NIST 800-171
U.S. standard for protecting CUI in nonfederal systems.
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS mandates cardholder data security for payment entities via audits and scans, while NIST 800-171 recommends CUI protections for federal contractors through SSPs and assessments. Organizations adopt PCI for processing rights; NIST for contract eligibility.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0
Key Features
- 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
- 300+ granular sub-requirements for card data protection
- Contractual enforcement by payment brands and acquirers
- Network segmentation reduces compliance scope
- v4.0 emphasizes MFA and customized approaches
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171: Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Scoped CUI protection in nonfederal systems
- 17 control families with ODPs in Rev 3
- SSP and POA&M documentation requirements
- SP 800-171A examine/interview/test assessments
- DFARS contractual enforcement and SPRS scoring
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 security framework for protecting cardholder data. It mandates technical and operational controls for entities storing, processing, or transmitting payment card information, using a control-based approach with scope minimization via segmentation.
Key Components
- 12 requirements grouped into 6 control objectives (e.g., secure networks, vulnerability management, access controls).
- Over 300 sub-requirements and testing procedures.
- Defined/customized implementation paths; compliance via SAQ or ROC with QSA/ASV validation.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation for merchants/service providers to avoid fines, processing bans.
- Reduces breach risks/costs ($37/record avg.); builds customer trust.
- Enables scope reduction, operational maturity; aligns with GDPR.
Implementation Overview
- Assess-Repair-Report cycle: scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate, validate quarterly scans/annual tests.
- Applies globally to all card-handling orgs; costs $5K-$200K+; 3-12 months typical.
NIST 800-171 Details
What It Is
NIST SP 800-171 (Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations) is a U.S. government framework providing security requirements for safeguarding CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems. It uses a control-based approach tailored from NIST SP 800-53 Moderate baseline, focusing on contractors and supply chains.
Key Components
- 17 families in Rev 3 (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management), with ~97-110 requirements.
- Built on FIPS 200 and SP 800-53; includes SSP, POA&M, and SP 800-171A assessment procedures.
- Compliance via self-assessment or third-party audits like CMMC Level 2.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory via DFARS 252.204-7012 for DoD contractors handling CUI.
- Reduces breach risks, ensures contract eligibility, builds stakeholder trust.
- Strategic for market access and resilience.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, gap analysis, controls, evidence collection, monitoring.
- Applies to federal contractors globally; suits all sizes via enclaves.
- Audits via SPRS scoring; Rev 3 current as of May 2024.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | NIST 800-171 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cardholder data protection (CHD/SAD) | CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems |
| Industry | Payment card processors/merchants globally | Federal contractors/supply chain (DoD focus) |
| Nature | Contractual standard, enforced by brands | Recommended requirements via contracts (DFARS) |
| Testing | Quarterly ASV scans, annual ROC/SAQ | SSP/POA&M, self/third-party assessments |
| Penalties | Fines, processing bans, GDPR linkage | Contract loss, ineligibility, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and NIST 800-171
PCI DSS FAQ
NIST 800-171 FAQ
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