Security still matters, more than ever. Even as new tech and payment solutions flood the market, protecting cardholder data remains non-negotiable.
For years, businesses have measured their security practices against the PCI DSS. Now, PCI DSS 4.0 is here, promising clearer guidance and smoother compliance.
This article breaks down what PCI DSS 4.0 means. We'll walk through the key updates, new requirements, and what they mean for anyone handling payment card data.
Whether you run a small online store or a major financial institution, these changes affect you. Knowing them isn't optional; it's how you stay compliant and keep customer data safe.
What is PCI DSS?
PCI DSS 4.0 is the latest version of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Let's break down what this means:
A set of guidelines meant to impart security to organizations that are in some way in charge of credit card data. Set up by the leading credit card organizations. It is originally designed to cut down on credit card theft and identity theft.
Main Objectives of PCI DSS 4.0
- Enhance security
- Strengthen flexibility when it comes to meeting the requirements
- Relate security as an ongoing idea
- Drive security innovation
Latest Changes in PCI DSS 4.0
PCI DSS 4.0 brings several significant changes:
Enhanced Authentication
- Uses strong access control methods, such as user ID and password, for all those who have access to cardholder data
- Strengthens password requirements
Flexible Approach
- Brings in a new approach type, the "Customized Approach", in addition to the "Defined Approach".
- Enables the organization to put in place other controls
Expanded Applicability
Extends application to include new methods and means of payment
Increased Focus on Security Culture
- Emphasizes security awareness training
- Encourages the concept of security as a primary priority throughout various organizations
Risk Analysis Requirements
- Mandates regular risk assessments
- Fosters the process of identifying security risks beforehand
10 PCI DSS 4.0 Requirements
PCI DSS 4.0 maintains the 12 core requirements but with significant updates:
1. Network Security Controls Installation and Maintenance
- Grew from strict firewalls to any type of network security-related controls
- Produces principles and focuses a lot on the segmentation of the networks that hold the cardholder data
2. Security Configurations Deployment
- Tightens measures that apply to the system hardening
- Includes detailed advice applicable to cloud solutions
3. Safeguard the data stored on the client's account.
- An improvement of the requirements for the management of the encryption key
- Fortunately, the author of the book introduces new controls for the protection of the cryptographic key.
4. Protect Cardholder Data with Strong Cryptography
- Amends the application of the encryption quandary in transit
- Preview the new controls of point-to-point encryption
5. Ensure No Particular System Root is Under the Control of Malware
- Expands the type of threat beyond viruses to include other sorts of malicious programs.
- Introduces requirements with regard to the detection of all malwares on the systems.
6. Create Inherent Security within Systems and Software
- Extends and strengthens requirements relating to secure coding.
- Presents new controls in web application firewalls
7. Restrict Access to System Components
- Strengthens access control requirements
- Develops the concept of using the principle of "Least Privilege"
8. Determination of Users and Control of User Access
- Expands multi-factor authentication requirements
- Introduces the new rules for passwords, such as the characters to be included in the passwords.
9. Control of Physical Access
- Strengthens the requirements in physical security controls
- Many employers have embraced the call for and adoption of remote work arrangements, and the following offers new guidance concerning remote work environments.
10. Implement Logging for Access by System Users and Monitor these Accesses
- Expands logging requirements
- Create new checks that will allow the detection of the emanating abnormalities