The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is the global benchmark for ensuring companies that handle credit card information maintain a secure environment. It provides a framework to help organizations protect sensitive cardholder data from theft and secure payment card systems.
In 2022, PCI DSS introduced its version 4.0. This release is significant as it introduces various new requirements that organizations must comply with by March 31, 2025. Many organizations are working to comprehend the new requirements and implement the right tools and processes to comply with the standards.
We published a new, in-depth guide, Understanding and Preparing for PCI DSS 4.0, authored by Datos Insights, to help you navigate the complex changes associated with the updated standard.
What’s New in PCI DSS 4.0?
PCI DSS 4.0 introduces 64 new requirements, 13 requiring immediate compliance for organizations opting for version 4.0 assessments. This new version emphasizes continuous security posture monitoring, linking cybersecurity and fraud management more closely than ever.
The updated standard marks a shift in approach from various perspectives. For the first time, PCI allows organizations to decide how best to comply with the standard. However, it’s important to note that the burden of proof is on the organization to demonstrate the effectiveness of its approach.
PCI DSS 4.0 also shifts from snapshot control compliance to continuous security posture monitoring. This change acknowledges the intertwined nature of cybersecurity and fraud management, emphasizing risk outcomes over merely passing assessments.
In addition, two new requirements directly address the risks imposed by client-side attacks. Requirement 6.4.3 focuses on managing payment page scripts to mitigate client-side attack risk. It requires systematic authorization, integrity checks, and inventory of all scripts. Requirement 11.6.1 mandates a change-and-tamper detection mechanism to protect against unauthorized modifications on payment pages. Both requirements highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and immediate response to suspicious activities to enhance online transaction security.
What’s The Impact of Non-Compliance?
Failure to comply with PCI DSS 4.0 can have severe financial consequences. Global card networks, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa, enforce the standard, with fines for non-compliance ranging from US$5,000 to US$100,000 monthly, depending on the volume and length of non-compliance.
The transition to PCI DSS 4.0 concerns more than just compliance; It’s about improving your organization’s security posture. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of cybersecurity and fraud management. And it’s about transforming the way your organization protects cardholder data. However, it also places a considerable burden on organizations to ensure they comply with the new requirements.
The Road to Compliance
Compliance with PCI DSS 4.0 involves three stages over two years. The first stage, already in effect, includes 13 new requirements that organizations must meet. Stage 2 takes effect on March 31, 2024, upon the retirement of the current 3.2.1 version. The third and final stage requires the implementation of 51 best practices by April 1, 2025.
Organizations must take immediate action to comply with PCI DSS version 4.0 with just over a year remaining. Budgeting, planning, implementing, testing, and attesting to solutions is complex, and the window for meeting the new requirements is a relatively short transition timeline.
The Time to Act is Now
With the clock ticking, it’s paramount for compliance and security stakeholders to understand the implications of these changes and the urgency of implementing the new required capabilities.
Imperva understands the importance of maintaining a robust and compliant security posture. As a cybersecurity leader, Imperva is committed to helping organizations navigate these changes. Our cybersecurity solutions are designed to help organizations meet the complex requirements of PCI DSS 4.0.
We help organizations secure their cardholder ecosystem, including their supply chain. For example, solutions such as Imperva Client-Side Protection provide comprehensive inventorying, authorization, dynamic integrity verification, and real-time monitoring to help streamline regulatory compliance with PCI DSS 4.0 requirements 6.4.3 and 11.6.1.
The countdown to PCI DSS 4.0 is on, and the time to act is now. Ensure your organization is ready. Contact us to learn how we can help you prepare for PCI DSS 4.0.
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