PCI DSS
Global standard securing payment cardholder data environments
TOGAF
Vendor-neutral framework for enterprise architecture methodology.
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS mandates cardholder data security via 12 requirements and audits for payment entities, while TOGAF provides iterative ADM for enterprise architecture alignment. Companies adopt PCI DSS for compliance and breach prevention; TOGAF for strategic IT-business coherence.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0
Key Features
- 12 requirements across 6 objectives protecting cardholder data
- Granular 300+ controls with quarterly ASV scans required
- Merchant levels 1-4 dictate validation via ROC or SAQ
- Network segmentation minimizes Cardholder Data Environment scope
- v4.0 mandates MFA, cryptography, third-party risk management
TOGAF
TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition
Key Features
- Iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM)
- Content Framework and Metamodel for artifacts
- Enterprise Continuum for asset reuse
- Reference Models (TRM, SIB, III-RM)
- Architecture Capability Framework governance
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) v4.0 is a contractual security framework for protecting cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD). It applies to merchants and service providers handling payment cards, using a control-based approach with 12 requirements organized into 6 objectives.
Key Components
- 12 requirements covering network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, and policies.
- Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
- Levels 1-4 based on transaction volume; validation via SAQ, ROC, QSA, and ASV scans.
- v4.0 introduces customized approaches and future-dated requirements.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation from card brands/acquirers to avoid fines, processing bans.
- Reduces breach risks/costs ($37/record avg.), builds customer trust.
- Enhances security posture, supports GDPR alignment.
Implementation Overview
- Assess-Repair-Report cycle: scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate, validate.
- Applies globally to card-handling entities; 6-12 months typical, high complexity/cost ($5K-$200K).
TOGAF Details
What It Is
TOGAF® Standard (The Open Group Architecture Framework) is a vendor-neutral enterprise architecture framework. Its primary purpose is to provide a methodology for designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise-wide change across business and IT. The key approach is the iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM).
Key Components
- Core pillars: ADM (10 phases including Preliminary, Vision, Business/Data/Application/Technology Architectures, Opportunities, Migration, Governance, Change Management), Content Framework (deliverables, artifacts, building blocks), Enterprise Continuum, reference models (TRM, III-RM), Architecture Capability Framework.
- Built on reusable assets, metamodel for entities/relationships.
- Certification via Open Group portfolio; no mandatory controls but tailored compliance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns strategy with execution, reduces duplication/costs, improves ROI.
- Enables governance, risk management, interoperability; avoids vendor lock-in.
- Builds stakeholder trust through consistent language and traceability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: preparation, assessment, target design, pilot, scale via iterative ADM.
- Involves maturity assessment, tailoring, repository setup, training.
- Suits large enterprises across industries; voluntary with certification optional.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | TOGAF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Payment card data security controls | Enterprise architecture design and governance |
| Industry | Payment processing, merchants globally | All sectors, large enterprises worldwide |
| Nature | Contractual security standard, voluntary | Methodology framework, voluntary adoption |
| Testing | Quarterly scans, annual audits by QSAs | Compliance reviews, maturity assessments |
| Penalties | Fines, loss of card processing rights | No formal penalties, internal governance |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and TOGAF
PCI DSS FAQ
TOGAF FAQ
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