In today’s digital age, where credit card transactions have become the norm, ensuringcardholder datasecurity is paramount. In asecurity breach at JD Sportsin January 2023, hackers potentially accessed the personal and financial information of 10 million customers. With security breaches occurring more frequently than before, protecting cardholder information becomes more crucial. Organizations must adhere toPCI DSS requirementswhen storing credit card information to minimize the risk of data breaches and unauthorized use.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the PCI DSS requirements for storing credit card data securely.
Understanding PCI DSS Requirements for Cardholder Data Storage
PCI DSS, developed by major credit card companies, aims to enhance the security of card transactions and protect sensitive cardholder information. It applies toany organization or businessthat stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. To comply with PCI DSS, organizations must be aware of the data items authorized for storage and the security measures required.
Authorized Cardholder Data for Storage
PCI DSS permits the storage of specific cardholder data, which includes the 16-digit Primary Account Number (PAN), cardholder’s name, expiration date, and service code. These data elements are crucial for transaction processing and subsequent verification. However, it’s important to note that EMV chip data is not considered cardholder data and cannot be stored after authorization.
Prohibited Storage of Sensitive Authentication Data (SAD)
Sensitive authentication data (SAD) is strictly prohibited from storage after authorization. SAD includes the full magnetic stripe data, CVV or comparable data, PIN, and PIN blocks. Storing such data significantly increases the risk of unauthorized access and potential fraud. Attackers often target SAD in card and card-not-present transactions, making its protection vital.
Encryption and Rendering Cardholder Data Unreadable
PCI DSS mandates that cardholder data be rendered unreadable using strong encryption techniques. Organizations must implement industry-standard encryption methods to safeguard this information. Accepted approaches include strong one-way hash functions, truncation, index tokens with securely stored pads, and the use of robust cryptography. Making the data unreadable, even if compromised, becomes useless to attackers.
PCI DSS Requirements for Data Retention and Deletion
Organizations should retain cardholder data only for legitimate legal, regulatory, or business reasons. PCI DSS emphasizes the establishment of data retention and secure deletion policies. Deleting data after the minimum retention period is crucial unless there is a compelling reason to retain it. Moreover, if non-cardholder data is retained alongside card transactions, it must align with PCI DSS requirements.
Breakdown of PCI DSS Requirements for Storing Credit Card Data
Requirement 3 of the PCI DSS compliance emphasizes protecting stored account data. Let’s look at the breakdown of PCI DSS requirement 3 related to storing cardholder data:
10 Recommendations for Storing Credit Card Data
In addition to meeting the core PCI DSS requirements, organizations should implement the following best practices when storing credit card data:
Automating PCI DSS Compliance with CyberArrow
Ensuring the security of credit card information is crucial for both organizations and their customers. Adhering to PCI DSS requirements for storing credit card data minimizes the risk of data breaches, protects against fraud, and builds trust with customers. However, businesses find it challenging to maintain compliance. HereCyberArrowcan help.
CyberArrow is a compliance automation platform that helps automate PCI DSS compliance processes. From automating risk management to evidence collection and managing third-party security, CyberArrow simplifies the process of achieving and maintaining compliance. Moreover, it enables low-touch PCI DSS audits, freeing up time and valuable resources spent on manual processes.
So, what are you waiting for? Automate PCI DSS compliance with CyberArrow. Book afree demotoday!
FAQs
What is cardholder data under PCI DSS requirements?
Cardholder data refers to any personally identifiable information (PII) that is linked to a payment card, such as a credit card or debit card. It includes the primary account number (PAN), cardholder name, expiration date, and service code. PCI DSS requirements mandate strict security measures for the protection of cardholder data.
Can you store CVV data?
According to PCI DSS requirements, storing the Card Verification Value (CVV) or Card Verification Code (CVC) is not allowed after authorization. Storing CVV data increases the risk of unauthorized access and potential fraud. Organizations should not retain CVV data once the transaction has been authorized.
Does PCI DSS apply to credit card holders?
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) does not directly apply to credit card holders. It is a set of security standards and requirements imposed on organizations that handle, process, or store cardholder data. The purpose of PCI DSS is to ensure the protection of cardholder data and prevent data breaches. Credit card holders are, however, indirectly affected by PCI DSS as it aims to safeguard their sensitive information and maintain trust in the payment card industry.
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