PCI DSS
Industry standard securing payment cardholder data environments
PRINCE2
Structured methodology for project governance and control
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS mandates card data security for payment handlers via audits and scans, while PRINCE2 structures project governance through principles, stages, and roles. Companies adopt PCI DSS for compliance and breach prevention; PRINCE2 for controlled, auditable project delivery.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
Key Features
- 12 requirements across 6 control objectives protecting CHD
- 300+ granular sub-requirements with testing procedures
- Contractual enforcement via fines and processing bans
- Tiered levels 1-4 based on transaction volume
- Quarterly ASV scans and annual penetration testing
PRINCE2
PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments)
Key Features
- Seven principles as guiding obligations
- Seven practices for continuous management
- Seven processes spanning project lifecycle
- Manage by stages and exception tolerances
- Tailoring to suit project context
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PCI DSS Details
What It Is
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a global industry framework with 12 requirements in 6 control objectives. It mandates protection of cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) for entities storing, processing, or transmitting payment cards. Control-based and prescriptive, focusing on technical/operational safeguards.
Key Components
- 12 requirements: network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring/testing, policies.
- 300+ sub-requirements/testing procedures.
- Tiered levels (merchants 1-4, providers 1-2) by volume.
- Compliance via SAQ/ROC, ASV scans, pentests.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandate avoiding fines/processing bans.
- Mitigates breaches (avg $37/record), GDPR overlaps.
- Builds trust, enables payments, improves hygiene.
- Strategic risk reduction, competitive edge.
Implementation Overview
- Phases: scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate, validate, maintain.
- All sizes/industries handling cards, global.
- 3-12 months, $5K-$200K+ costs, ongoing audits.
PRINCE2 Details
What It Is
PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments), 7th Edition, is a structured project management framework providing governance, control, and delivery across project lifecycles. It emphasizes principle-based, process-driven management for varied scales and complexities.
Key Components
- **7 PrinciplesGuiding obligations like continued business justification, manage by exception, and tailoring.
- **7 PracticesBusiness case, organizing, plans, quality, risk, issues, progress—applied continuously.
- **7 ProcessesStarting Up, Directing, Initiating, Controlling a Stage, Managing Product Delivery, Stage Boundaries, Closing.
- **CertificationFoundation and Practitioner levels via PeopleCert.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures controlled value delivery, risk reduction, and auditability.
- Supports governance in public/private sectors, compliance, and stakeholder assurance.
- Drives strategic benefits like repeatable success, exception-based efficiency, and hybrid agility.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: Gap analysis, tailoring blueprint, training, pilots, institutionalization.
- Scalable for all sizes/industries; focuses on tailoring, roles (project board), and management products (PID, registers).
- No legal mandate; voluntary with certification optional.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | PRINCE2 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Payment card data security controls | Project governance and lifecycle management |
| Industry | Payment processing, merchants globally | All sectors, public/private worldwide |
| Nature | Contractual security standard | Voluntary project methodology |
| Testing | Quarterly scans, annual audits by QSA/ASV | Stage reviews, exception reports internally |
| Penalties | Fines, processing bans, GDPR fines | No penalties, internal project failure |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and PRINCE2
PCI DSS FAQ
PRINCE2 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
Top 5 Audit Survival Secrets for Your First SOC 2 Type 2: What Auditors Really Check (and How to Pass)
Master your first SOC 2 Type 2 audit with proven strategies: 40-sample testing, vendor gaps, CPA walkthroughs. Get checklists, scripts & tips from SignWell to s
Top 10 SOC 2 Audit Pitfalls and Fixes: Real Auditor Red Flags from Type 2 Fieldwork with Evidence Checklists
Discover 10 common SOC 2 Type 2 audit pitfalls like evidence gaps, scope creep, vendor oversights. Get Fail/Pass visuals, client stories, checklists for 95% fir
SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria in Plain English: Side-by-Side Decoder for Security, Availability, and Beyond
Decode AICPA Trust Services Criteria from auditor jargon to plain English with side-by-side tables, analogies & TL;DRs. CISOs & founders: implement SOC 2 contro
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
AS9100 vs ISO 21001
Discover AS9100 vs ISO 21001: Aerospace QMS rigor meets educational excellence. Compare clauses, risks & benefits to select the right standard for your sector. Dive in now!
COBIT vs ISO 50001
Compare COBIT vs ISO 50001: IT governance powerhouse meets energy management excellence. Tailor frameworks for optimal I&T, risk & sustainability. Discover your best-fit now!
IATF 16949 vs AS9120B
Discover IATF 16949 vs AS9120B: Automotive QMS power vs aerospace distributor precision. Unpack core tools, risk mgmt, traceability diffs. Elevate compliance now!