Understanding PCI steps to Secure Payments

A step-by-step look at the PCI compliance journey

What is PCI Compliance?

PCI Compliance refers to meeting the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Compliance is essential for protecting sensitive data and preventing fraud.

Why it matters: Failure to achieve PCI compliance exposes the merchant’s business to increased data breach risk, potential hefty financial penalties, and damage to brand reputation. Staying compliant with Payment Card Industry compliance standards helps reduce merchant risk, enhances payment security, and builds customer trust. 

Get in-depth explanation of PCI compliance steps

Understanding PCI Compliance: Adapting standards to combat today’s threats

The PCI Security Standards Council is an open global forum that is responsible for the development, management, education, and awareness of the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and other standards that increase payment data security. Created in 2006 by the founding payment card brands American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, Mastercard, and Visa Inc. Over time, these standards have continuously evolved to address new cyber threats and emerging payment technologies. Understanding this landscape aids the merchant in proactively protecting the business and customer data.

Why it’s important: Regular updates to PCI standards ensure the merchant’s security measures remain effective, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.

Explore how these standards adapt to security threats

Why PCI Compliance is critical for merchant business?

PCI compliance requirements not only secure cardholder data but also enhances your company’s reputation, minimizes the data breaches risk, fines, and improves customer confidence. 

See how PCI compliance can boost your business

Achieving PCI Compliance

The PCI DSS sets detailed requirements to secure cardholder data, such as data encryption, access control, and network security monitoring.

Determine the steps to achieving PCI Compliance, including completing self-assessments, engaging with Qualified Security Assessors (QSA), and implementing necessary security measures. Understand the importance of ongoing compliance and regular audits.

Step-by-step guide for Merchants to get PCI Compliance
Two men discussing and using a tablet business meeting