PCI Compliance Checklist

I. Compliance Overview

Objective: Ensure that [YOUR COMPANY NAME] adheres to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements for protecting cardholder data and maintaining secure payment card processing environments.

Responsible Party: [YOUR NAME], Compliance Officer

Date of Last Review: [DATE]

Next Scheduled Review: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

II. Secure Network and Systems

1. Firewall Configuration

Ensure that firewalls are configured to restrict inbound and outbound traffic, including blocking unnecessary ports and protocols.
Regularly review firewall rules and configurations to ensure they align with security policies and PCI DSS requirements.
Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and block potential threats.

2. Default Passwords and Settings

Change default passwords on all network devices, systems, and applications to strong, unique passwords.
Disable or remove unnecessary services, ports, and accounts to reduce the attack surface and minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
Enforce password complexity requirements and implement account lockout policies to protect against brute-force attacks.

3. Network Segmentation

Segment the network to separate cardholder data environment (CDE) from other non-sensitive areas of the network.
Implement VLANs, subnets, and access controls to restrict access to sensitive systems and data based on business need.
Monitor and log network traffic between network segments to detect and prevent unauthorized access or data exfiltration.

III. Cardholder Data Protection

1. Encryption

Encrypt cardholder data using strong encryption algorithms and secure cryptographic protocols (e.g., AES, TLS).
Protect encryption keys and ensure they are stored securely, separate from encrypted data, and accessible only to authorized personnel.
Implement secure key management practices, including key rotation and periodic key changes, to enhance data protection.

2. Secure Transmission

Use secure communication channels (e.g., HTTPS, SFTP) to transmit cardholder data over public networks.
Disable insecure protocols and services (e.g., FTP, Telnet) that transmit data in clear text and are susceptible to interception.
Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms to authenticate users and devices accessing cardholder data.

3. Data Retention

Limit the retention of cardholder data to only what is necessary for business operations and legal requirements.
Develop and enforce data retention policies and procedures to securely delete or anonymize cardholder data when it is no longer needed.
Implement data disposal methods, such as secure deletion and disk wiping, to ensure permanent removal of cardholder data from storage devices.

IV. Vulnerability Management

1. Regular Scanning

Conduct regular vulnerability scans of network systems, applications, and infrastructure using approved scanning vendors (ASVs) or internal scanning tools.
Schedule scans at least quarterly and after any significant changes to the network or system configurations.
Remediate identified vulnerabilities promptly according to risk severity and potential impact on cardholder data security.

2. Patch Management

Establish a patch management process to identify, prioritize, and apply security patches and updates to systems and software.
Implement automated patch management tools to streamline patch deployment and ensure timely patching of critical vulnerabilities.
Test patches in a non-production environment before deploying them to production systems to minimize the risk of disruption or system instability.

V. Access Control

1. User Authentication

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users accessing systems or applications that store, process, or transmit cardholder data.
Enforce strong password policies, including minimum password length, complexity requirements, and password expiration periods.
Monitor and review user access logs regularly to detect and investigate unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activity.

2. Least Privilege

Grant access to cardholder data and critical systems based on the principle of least privilege.
Regularly review user access rights and permissions to ensure they are appropriate for job responsibilities and business needs.
Revoke access for users who no longer require access to cardholder data or have changed roles within the organization.

VI. Security Policies and Procedures

1. Information Security Policy

Develop and maintain an information security policy that defines roles, responsibilities, and expectations for protecting cardholder data.
Communicate the security policy to all employees and contractors and ensure they understand their obligations to comply with PCI DSS requirements.
Regularly review and update the security policy to reflect changes in technology, business operations, and regulatory requirements.

2. Incident Response Plan

Develop an incident response plan to detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents involving cardholder data breaches or unauthorized access.
Test the incident response plan through table top exercises and simulations to evaluate effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Establish procedures for notifying stakeholders, including payment card brands, regulators, and affected individuals, in the event of a data breach or security incident.

VII. Security Awareness Training

Employee Training

Provide comprehensive security awareness training to all employees who handle payment card data, including training on phishing awareness, secure password practices, and data handling procedures.
Conduct regular security awareness campaigns and refresher training sessions to reinforce security best practices and promote a culture of security awareness.
Test employee knowledge and awareness through simulated phishing exercises and quizzes to assess effectiveness of training programs.

VIII. Compliance Reporting and Validation

Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

Complete and submit the appropriate SAQ annually to validate compliance with PCI DSS requirements based on [YOUR COMPANY NAME]'s payment processing environment.
Retain documentation and evidence of compliance for audit purposes, including completed SAQs, supporting documentation, and evidence of remediation activities.
Engage qualified security assessors (QSAs) to conduct external audits and penetration tests to assess compliance with PCI DSS requirements and address any findings or deficiencies.

IX. Continuous Improvement

1. Security Controls Review

Conduct regular reviews of security controls, policies, and procedures to identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing compliance with PCI DSS requirements.
Monitor industry trends, emerging threats, and changes to PCI DSS requirements to adapt security measures and controls accordingly.
Implement a formal process for tracking and addressing security gaps, deficiencies, and recommendations identified through audits, assessments, and security reviews.

2. Incident Analysis and Remediation

Analyze security incidents and breaches to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
Conduct post-incident reviews and lessons learned sessions to identify opportunities for improving incident response processes, detection capabilities, and incident handling procedures.
Update incident response plans, policies, and procedures based on lessons learned from security incidents and changes in the threat landscape.

X. Signature

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand the contents of this PCI compliance checklist and affirm[YOUR COMPANY NAME]'s commitment to protecting cardholder data and complying with PCI DSS requirements.

Compliance Manager

[YOUR COMPANY NAME]

Date:[DATE]