PCI DSS
Global standard for payment card data security
UAE PDPL
UAE federal law for personal data protection
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures payment card data via contractual controls for merchants worldwide, while UAE PDPL mandates broad personal data protection as federal law for UAE onshore entities. Organizations adopt PCI DSS to process cards compliantly; PDPL to avoid regulatory fines and ensure privacy rights.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Key Features
- 12 requirements across 6 control objectives protect cardholder data
- Over 300 granular sub-requirements with testing procedures
- Contractual enforcement via fines and processing privilege bans
- Merchant levels dictate SAQ or QSA-led ROC validation
- v4.0 mandates MFA, segmentation, third-party risk management
UAE PDPL
Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021 on Personal Data Protection
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope for foreign processors of UAE data
- Mandatory DPO and DPIAs for high-risk processing
- Broad data subject rights including portability and objection
- Records of processing activities for all controllers
- Breach notification to UAE Data Office
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) is a contractual security framework managed by the PCI Security Standards Council. Its primary purpose is protecting cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) during storage, processing, and transmission. It uses a control-based approach with 12 requirements under 6 objectives.
Key Components
- 12 requirements spanning network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, and policies.
- Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
- Levels-based compliance: SAQ for smaller entities, ROC by QSAs for larger.
- v4.0 introduces customized approaches and future-dated controls.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation for merchants/service providers handling card payments.
- Avoids fines, processing bans, breach costs ($37/record avg.).
- Builds trust, reduces fraud, enables market access.
- Enhances overall cybersecurity maturity.
Implementation Overview
- Scoping CDE, gap analysis, remediation, validation.
- Applies globally to all card-handling entities.
- Quarterly scans, annual audits; 3-12 months typical timeline. (178 words)
UAE PDPL Details
What It Is
UAE PDPL (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Concerning the Protection of Personal Data) is a comprehensive federal regulation establishing UAE's first economy-wide personal data protection framework. Effective 2 January 2022, it governs processing of personal data onshore, with extraterritorial reach to foreign entities targeting UAE residents. It adopts a risk-based approach emphasizing proportionality in controls for high-risk activities like sensitive data processing.
Key Components
- Core principles: lawfulness, transparency, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, storage limitation.
- Obligations: lawful bases (consent primary), DPO for high-risk, DPIAs, records of processing, breach notification.
- Data subject rights: access, portability, rectification, erasure, objection, automated decisions safeguards.
- No certification; compliance demonstrated via records and audits to UAE Data Office.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for compliance to avoid penalties; enhances trust, aligns with GDPR for multinationals, mitigates breach risks, supports digital economy growth.
Implementation Overview
Phased: assess/gap analysis, design controls (security, consents), operationalize (training, DSRs), monitor. Applies to onshore private sector (excl. free zones, sectors); medium-large orgs; no formal certification but regulator audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | UAE PDPL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Payment card data security (CHD/SAD) | All personal data protection and processing |
| Industry | Payment processing merchants/service providers globally | All private sectors in onshore UAE (excl. free zones) |
| Nature | Contractual standard enforced by card brands | Federal law with regulatory enforcement |
| Testing | Quarterly ASV scans, annual ROC/SAQ by QSA | DPIAs for high-risk, records of processing activities |
| Penalties | Fines, loss of card processing privileges | Administrative fines up to millions AED |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and UAE PDPL
PCI DSS FAQ
UAE PDPL FAQ
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