Demystifying the PCI Data Security Standard for Merchants

Overview

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security practices set forth by American Express, Discover, Japan Central Bank, MasterCard, and VISA to protect cardholder data. It is an industry-established policy requiring compliance by all merchants and service providers that store, process, or transmit cardholder data. This white paper from ComplyGuard Networks explains what the specific requirements of the PCI DSS mean for merchants.

The PCI DSS's special requirements for service providers are detailed in the companion white paper, "The PCI Data Security Standard for Service Providers Demystified."