The PCI Standard

The release of version 2.0 begins the new three year life cycle for standards development, which streamlines the development process by aligning DSS, PA-DSS and PTS on a similar three year schedule. Version 2.0 became effective on January 1, 2011. There are six categories of PCI standards that must be met in order to be deemed compliant.

Build and Maintain a Secure Network

Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data.
Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.

Protect Cardholder Data

Protect stored cardholder data
Encrypt transmission of cardholder data and sensitive information across open, public networks. Cardholder data must be encrypted with at least a 128 bit SSL certificate in order to meet this standard.
Consider PaymentVault for PCI compliant storage of your credit card information.
What is tokenization?

Simplify PCI DSS compliance by eliminating on-site credit card storage

Maintain Vulnerability Management Program

Use and regularly update anti-virus software or programs.
Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.

Implement Strong Access Control Measures

Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know.
Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access.
Restrict physical access to cardholder data.

Regularly Monitor and Test Networks

Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.
Regularly test security systems and processes.

Maintain an Information Security Policy

Maintain a policy that addresses information security for employees and contractors.