Definition
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS, is a set of cybersecurity requirements designed to protect cardholder data. It mandates specific technical and operational controls that organizations must implement to secure credit card transactions. PCI DSS applies to any entity that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data, ensuring a baseline level of security across the payment ecosystem. For example, a retail store must encrypt cardholder data both at rest and in transit to comply with these standards. While PCI DSS focuses on payment card data, it is distinct from broader data privacy regulations like GDPR, which cover a wider range of personal information. Understanding PCI DSS is crucial for roles involved in IT security and compliance, and it frequently appears on exams such as CompTIA Security+ and the CISSP.