PCI DSS

PCI DSS is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It is a set of comprehensive requirements for credit card account data security, developed by the credit card industry in response to an increase in identity theft and credit card fraud. As a merchant who handles credit card data, Binghamton University is obliged to safeguard that information and adhere to the standards established by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) including setting up controls for handling credit card data, computer and internet security and completing an annual self assessment questionnaire. 

PCI DSS Objectives and Requirements

PCI DSS currently has six objectives and twelve requirements. The objectives are:

  1. Build and Maintain a Secure Network
  2. Protect Cardholder Data (CHD)
  3. Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
  4. Implement Strong Access Control Measures
  5. Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
  6. Maintain an Information Security Policy

The twelve requirements correspond to a specific objective from the list above.

Build and Maintain a Secure Network

Requirement 1: Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
Requirement 2: Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters

Protect Cardholder Data

Requirement 3: Protect stored cardholder data
Requirement 4: Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks

Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program

Requirement 5: Use and regularly update anti-virus software
Requirement 6: Develop and maintain secure systems and applications

Implement Strong Access Control Measures

Requirement 7: Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know
Requirement 8: Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access
Requirement 9: Restrict physical access to cardholder data

Regularly Monitor and Test Networks

Requirement 10: Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data
Requirement 11: Regularly test security systems and processes

Maintain an Information Security Policy

Requirement 12: Maintain a policy that addresses information security