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Updated 2026
PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) The PCI DSS applies to all entities that store, process, and/or transmit
cardholder data. It covers technical
and operational system components included in or connected to
cardholder data. If you accept or process payment cards, PCI DSS
applies to you.
Sensitive Authentication Data Merchants, service providers, and other
entities involved with payment card processing must never store
sensitive authentication data after
authorization. This includes the 3- or 4- digit security code printed on
the front or back of a card (CVD), the data stored on a card's magnetic
stripe or chip (also called "Full Track Data") - and personal
identification numbers (PIN) entered by the cardholder.
Card Verification Data Codes (CVD) 3 or 4 digit code that further authenticates a not-present cardholder
Visa-CVV2
MC- CVC2
Discover- CVD
JCB-CAV2
AmEx- CID
Requirement 1 Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
Network devices in scope for Requirement 1 Firewalls and Routers- Routers connect traffic between networks,
Firewalls control the traffic between networks and within internal
network
, QIR Qualified Integrators & Resellers Qualified Integrators & Resellers- authorized by the SSC to implement,
configure and/or support PA-DSS payment applications. Visa requires
all level 4 merchants use QIRs for POS application and terminal
installation and servicing
Compensating Controls An alternative control, put in place to satisfy the requirement for
a security measure that is deemed too difficult or impractical
to
implement at the present time.
Permitted reasons for using Compensating Organizations needing an alternative to security requirements that
Controls could not be met due to legitimate technological OR
documented business constraints, but has sufficiently mitigated the
risk associated with the requirement through implementation of other
compensating controls
Examples of Compensating Controls (i) Segregation of Duties (SOD) and (ii) Encryption
Compensating Controls must: 1) Meet the intent and rigor of the original stated requirement;
2)Provide a similar level of defense as the original stated requirement;
3) Be "above and beyond" other PCI DSS requirements (not simply
in compliance with other PCI DSS requirements); and
4) Be commensurate with the additional risk imposed by not adhering
to the original stated requirement.
Compensating Controls Worksheet 1) Constraint; 2) Objective; 3) Identified Risk; 4) Define Compensating
Control; 5)Validate Controls; 6) Maintenance (COIDVM)
Card Data that cannot be stored by Merchants, Sensitive Authentication Data. i) 3- or 4- digit security code printed on
Service providers after authorization the front or back of a card, ii) data stored on a card's magnetic stripe
or
chip (also called "Full Track Data"), and iii) personal identification
numbers (PIN) entered by the cardholder
Card Data that MAY be stored i) cardholder name, ii) service code (identifies industry iii) Personal
Account Number (PAN)
iv) expiration date may be stored.
Network Segmentation The process of isolating the cardholder data environment from
the remainder of an entity's network
Not a requirement but strongly recommended.
Report on Compliance (ROC) Prepared at the time of the assessment of PCI compliance and
comprehensively provides details about the assessment approach and
compliance standing against each PCI DSS requirement
What is included in the Report on Compliance ROC includes (1) Executive summary, (2) description of scope of
work (ROC)? and approach taken, (3) details about reviewed environment, (4)
contact information and report date, (5) quarterly scan results and (6)
findings and observations.