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) for merchants and service providers handling payment cards. Its control-based approach organizes 12 requirements into 6 objectives, focusing on risk mitigation through scoping the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).

Key Components

• 12 core requirements spanning network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, and policies.
• Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
• Compliance via SAQ (self-assessment) or ROC (QSA audit), plus ASV scans and penetration tests.
• Evolves triennially; v4.0 emphasizes MFA, segmentation, and customized approaches.

Why Organizations Use It

Drives contractual compliance to avoid fines, card-processing bans, and breach costs ($37/record avg.). Enhances fraud reduction, customer trust, and operational maturity. Applicable globally to all card-handling entities.

Implementation Overview

Involves CDE scoping, gap analysis, remediation (segmentation, encryption), validation. Suits all sizes; Levels 1-4 dictate rigor. Ongoing Assess-Repair-Report cycle with annual reviews.

What It Is

Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program and HACCP-based management system for ensuring food safety and quality across the supply chain. Its primary purpose is to verify consistent production of safe food through risk-based controls, from farm to fork, via modular codes tailored to sectors like manufacturing and storage.

Key Components

• **Modular structureUniversal Module 2 (System Elements) plus sector-specific GMP modules (e.g., Module 11 for processing).
• Core elements: Management commitment, HACCP Food Safety Plan, PRPs, verification/validation, traceability, allergen management, food defense.
• Built on Codex HACCP principles; mandatory SQF Practitioner role.
• Certification via third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).

Why Organizations Use It

• Meets retailer/brand requirements as a 'license to trade'.
• Reduces recalls, audit duplication, and supply chain risks.
• Enhances due diligence for regulations like FSMA.
• Builds trust, operational efficiency, and market access.

Implementation Overview

• Phased: Gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
• Applies to food manufacturers, distributors; scalable by size/sector.
• Requires annual audits, unannounced checks for ongoing compliance. (178 words)