PCI DSS Framework

PCI DSS

PCI DSS Framework

How Openlane Streamlines PCI DSS Compliance

Open-source platform for securing cardholder data and maintaining payment card compliance

Cardholder Data Protection

Implement controls to protect stored cardholder data with encryption, tokenization, and secure deletion. Monitor data flows and maintain compliance with Requirements 3 and 4.

✓ Encryption & tokenization tracking
✓ Data retention policies
✓ Transmission security monitoring

Secure Network Configuration

Monitor firewall and router configurations, maintain secure network architecture, and ensure proper segmentation of cardholder data environment (CDE) from other networks.

✓ Firewall configuration management
✓ Network segmentation validation
✓ Wireless security monitoring

Vulnerability Management Program

Track security patches, conduct quarterly vulnerability scans, and maintain anti-malware solutions. Automate evidence collection for Requirements 5 and 6.

✓ Patch management tracking
✓ Quarterly scan scheduling
✓ Anti-malware monitoring

Strong Access Controls

Implement least privilege access, unique user IDs, multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive access logging for all cardholder data environment systems.

✓ MFA enforcement tracking
✓ User access reviews
✓ Physical access monitoring

Network Monitoring & Testing

Automated log collection, file integrity monitoring, and annual penetration testing coordination. Maintain audit trails and security monitoring per Requirement 10.

✓ Centralized log management
✓ File integrity monitoring
✓ Penetration test tracking

Security Policy Management

Maintain comprehensive information security policies, track annual reviews, manage security awareness training, and document incident response procedures.

✓ Policy templates & versioning
✓ Annual review tracking
✓ Training records management

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Frequently Asked Questions

PCI DSS Basics

What is PCI DSS?

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. It was created by major payment card brands to reduce credit card fraud and protect cardholder data.

Who needs to comply with PCI DSS?

Any organization that accepts, transmits, or stores cardholder data must comply with PCI DSS, regardless of size or number of transactions. This includes merchants, service providers, payment processors, and any entity that handles payment card data on behalf of others.

What are the PCI DSS compliance levels?

Merchants are classified into four levels based on annual transaction volume: Level 1 (over 6 million transactions), Level 2 (1-6 million), Level 3 (20,000-1 million e-commerce), and Level 4 (fewer than 20,000 e-commerce or up to 1 million other transactions). Each level has different validation requirements.

What is cardholder data?

Cardholder data includes the Primary Account Number (PAN), cardholder name, expiration date, and service code. Sensitive authentication data (SAD) like CVV2, PIN, and magnetic stripe data must never be stored after authorization. The PAN is the key element that triggers PCI DSS requirements.

Requirements & Controls

What are the 12 PCI DSS requirements?

PCI DSS has 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives: 1-2) Build and maintain secure network, 3-4) Protect cardholder data, 5-6) Maintain vulnerability management program, 7-8) Implement strong access controls, 9) Restrict physical access, 10) Track and monitor network access, 11) Test security systems regularly, 12) Maintain information security policy.

What is the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE)?

The CDE is the network segment that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data, plus any systems connected to it. Proper network segmentation can reduce PCI DSS scope by isolating the CDE from other networks. Systems in the CDE must meet all applicable PCI DSS requirements.

How often must vulnerability scans be performed?

PCI DSS Requirement 11.2 mandates quarterly internal and external vulnerability scans by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV). Scans must also be performed after any significant change to the network. All high-risk vulnerabilities must be resolved and scans must achieve passing results.

What are the encryption requirements?

Requirement 3 mandates encryption of stored cardholder data using strong cryptography. Requirement 4 requires encryption of cardholder data transmitted across open, public networks using TLS 1.2 or higher. Encryption keys must be properly managed and rotated regularly.

Openlane for PCI DSS

How does Openlane help with PCI DSS compliance?

Openlane automates PCI DSS compliance through cardholder data protection tracking, network security monitoring, vulnerability management, access control enforcement, automated log collection and retention, security policy management, and comprehensive documentation for all 12 requirements and their sub-requirements.

Can Openlane help with quarterly compliance activities?

Yes, Openlane schedules and tracks quarterly vulnerability scans, log reviews, firewall rule reviews, and other recurring PCI DSS activities. It sends reminders, collects evidence automatically, and maintains audit trails demonstrating continuous compliance between annual assessments.

Does Openlane support multiple PCI DSS validation methods?

Yes, Openlane supports evidence collection for SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire) submissions for smaller merchants and comprehensive documentation for Report on Compliance (ROC) audits required for Level 1 merchants. The platform maps controls to specific PCI DSS requirements and sub-requirements.