PCI DSS
Global standard for protecting payment card data
WCAG
International standard for web content accessibility.
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures payment card data for merchants via contractual controls and audits, while WCAG ensures web accessibility for disabled users through testable guidelines. Organizations adopt PCI DSS to process cards legally; WCAG to meet laws, expand markets, and reduce lawsuits.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Key Features
- 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
- 300+ granular sub-requirements for cardholder data protection
- Merchant/service provider levels by transaction volume
- Quarterly ASV scans and annual penetration testing
- Contractual enforcement with fines and processing bans
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2
Key Features
- POUR principles framework (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust)
- Testable success criteria with A/AA/AAA levels
- Backward-compatible additive version extensions
- Full pages and complete processes conformance
- Accessibility-supported technologies non-interference rule
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 for organizations handling cardholder data. Managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, it protects cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) via 12 requirements under 6 control objectives, using a control-based approach with scoping via Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).
Key Components
- 12 requirements spanning network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, and policies.
- Over 300 sub-requirements and testing procedures.
- Merchant/service provider levels (1-4) dictate validation (SAQ/ROC).
- v4.0 emphasizes MFA, segmentation, customized approaches.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation for card processors to avoid fines, bans.
- Reduces breach costs ($37/record avg.), builds trust.
- Enhances risk management, fraud prevention.
- Competitive edge via compliance badges.
Implementation Overview
- Assess-Repair-Report cycle: scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate.
- Quarterly scans, annual audits by QSAs/ASVs.
- Applies globally to merchants/service providers; costs $5K-$200K+.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is the W3C's globally recognized, technology-agnostic framework for web accessibility. Its primary purpose is making web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. Key approach: layered, testable success criteria under POUR principles.
Key Components
- **Four POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines with ~80 success criteria at Levels A, AA, AAA.
- Informative techniques, understanding docs, and failures.
- Conformance model requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal mandates (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Reduces litigation risk, improves UX/SEO, expands market reach.
- Enhances reputation, procurement eligibility, business outcomes like higher conversions.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assessment, policy, training, tooling, remediation, monitoring.
- Applies to all org sizes/industries; AA common target.
- No formal certification; self-audits, VPATs, continuous testing via automated/manual/user methods.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | WCAG |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Protects cardholder data storage/processing/transmission | Makes web content accessible to people with disabilities |
| Industry | Payment processing, merchants, service providers globally | All web publishing organizations, public/private sectors |
| Nature | Contractual security standard, enforced by card brands | Voluntary W3C guidelines, referenced in accessibility laws |
| Testing | Quarterly ASV scans, annual QSA audits/ROC/SAQ | Automated scans, manual AT testing, user audits |
| Penalties | Fines, loss of card processing privileges | ADA litigation, regulatory enforcement, settlements |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and WCAG
PCI DSS FAQ
WCAG FAQ
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