Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

LOCATION

International

industry

Requirements

Achieve Compliance Confidence

Understanding PCI DSS: Safeguarding Cardholder Data and Reducing Risk

PCI DSS provides a comprehensive security framework designed to protect credit and debit card data from theft and misuse. Whether you’re a merchant or service provider, compliance is not just about avoiding fines—it’s about establishing trust with your customers and partners.

The standard comprises 12 core requirements spanning network security, access control, vulnerability management, and organizational policies. These controls apply to any system within the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).

Forgepath helps you scope your environment, identify compliance gaps, and implement necessary controls—from encryption and logging to segmentation and secure application development. Our goal is to make PCI DSS achievable, sustainable, and audit-ready for your business.

Get The Facts

PCI DSS Compliance At a Glance

PCI DSS is a global security standard established by the PCI Security Standards Council to ensure that all organizations that store, process, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.

Requirements

Install and Maintain Secure Systems

Maintain firewalls and system configurations that protect cardholder data and restrict unauthorized access.

Apply Secure Configuration Standards

Avoid vendor default settings for systems, passwords, and security parameters across all technology platforms.

Protect Stored Cardholder Data

Securely store cardholder data using strong encryption and limit retention based on business needs.

Encrypt Transmission of Cardholder Data

Protect cardholder data during transmission over open, public networks using strong cryptographic protocols.

Use and Update Anti-Malware Software

Deploy and regularly update anti-virus or anti-malware software to protect systems from known threats.

Develop and Maintain Secure Systems

Patch systems in a timely manner and develop secure applications with secure coding practices.

Restrict Access to Cardholder Data

Limit access to cardholder data strictly to individuals with a business need-to-know.

Assign Unique IDs to Users

Assign unique user IDs to ensure accountability and traceability for all access to system components.

Restrict Physical Access

Limit physical access to cardholder data and maintain logs of personnel accessing secure areas.

Monitor and Log All Access

Track and monitor access to networks, systems, and cardholder data using centralized logging and SIEM tools.

Regularly Test Security Systems

Conduct regular vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and intrusion detection assessments.

Maintain an Information Security Policy

Develop, distribute, and review organizational policies that govern PCI DSS compliance and security practices.

How Forge Path Can Help

Network Segmentation & Architecture Review

Evaluate network segmentation strategies to minimize PCI scope and protect cardholder data.

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Vulnerability & Penetration Testing

Perform internal/external scans and application-layer penetration tests to validate control effectiveness.

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irtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO)

Get expert strategic guidance and audit support to build a sustainable PCI compliance program.

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Policy & Procedure Development

Create PCI-compliant policies for access control, log monitoring, secure development, and incident response.

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Vulnerability Management

Identify, prioritize, and remediate exploitable weaknesses in systems that store or transmit PHI, with validation against HIPAA’s Technical Safeguard expectations.

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Cloud Systems & Security Manager

Zero.health

Proven Track Record

Forgepath delivered outstanding service on our network and app security tests.
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Cloud Systems & Security Manager
Zero.health

Forgepath delivered outstanding service on both our network penetration test and application security assessment.

When a critical customer need arose, they quickly adjusted their schedule to meet our urgent timeline without compromising quality.

Their technical expertise, clear guidance, and hands-on remediation support helped us meet our EOY goals efficiently.

We were especially impressed by their flexibility, responsiveness, and professionalism throughout the process.

Chief Executive Officer

parsysco.com

Proven Track Record

Forgepath separates themselves from the rest as they’re a true security partner.
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Chief Executive Officer
parsysco.com

Forgepath separates themselves from the rest as they’re a true security partner to Parsysco. They took the time to understand our requirements and how things were working with our previous provider.

We were impressed by how quickly they formulated a new strategy and approach. They helped us identify our challenges and consistently brought forward solutions that were in Parsysco’s best interest.

Most vendors only care about selling something, Forgepath took the personal relationship and partnership approach that we value greatly.

Ready to Get Started?

Build a PCI-Compliant Security Program

Forgepath guides you from scoping and readiness through validation and ongoing compliance operations.

Talk to an Expert

FAQ

Have Questions About PCI DSS Compliance?

Any organization that stores, processes, or transmits payment card data—regardless of size or transaction volume—must comply with PCI DSS.

Cardholder data includes the full PAN (Primary Account Number) alone or in combination with cardholder name, expiration date, or service code.

Merchants and service providers must validate compliance annually, but continuous compliance is expected year-round.

SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire) is used by smaller merchants. ROC (Report on Compliance) is required for larger organizations and must be conducted by a QSA.

No. Forgepath prepares clients for certification by helping them implement and validate required controls, but certification is performed by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).

We help implement segmentation, secure payment gateways, and tokenization to limit the systems subject to PCI DSS controls.