PCI-DSS Compliance Guide
Complete guide to PCI-DSS v4.0 compliance for organizations handling payment card data. Understand the 12 requirements and how to demonstrate compliance.
8 min read
Updated: January 2026PCI-DSS
Payment
Cards
Security
What is PCI-DSS?
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a set of security standards for organizations that handle credit card data. Version 4.0 is the current standard.
⚠️ Who Must Comply?
Any organization that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data must comply with PCI-DSS. Compliance level depends on transaction volume.
12 Requirements
1. Firewalls
Install and maintain network security controls
2. Default Passwords
Apply secure configurations
3. Protect Stored Data
Protect stored account data
4. Encrypt Transmission
Encrypt cardholder data in transit
5. Malware Protection
Protect systems against malware
6. Secure Development
Develop secure systems and software
7. Restrict Access
Restrict access on need-to-know basis
8. Identify Users
Identify users and authenticate access
9. Physical Security
Restrict physical access
10. Logging
Log and monitor access
11. Security Testing
Test security regularly
12. Security Policies
Maintain security policies