Get to know PCI SSC and Different Types of PCI Standards

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PCI SSC - Different Types of PCI Standards
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Published Date: January 30, 2025
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PCI SSC - Different Types of PCI Standards

In an era where digital payments dominate global commerce, securing payment transactions is more critical than ever. Cybercriminals continuously evolve their tactics, targeting vulnerabilities in payment systems to exploit sensitive cardholder data. To combat these threats, the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) was established to create and enforce a robust set of security standards aimed at protecting payment transactions worldwide.

This guide will provide a deep dive into PCI SSC, the different types of PCI security standards, and their essential role in payment security for merchants, payment processors, and financial institutions.

What is PCI SSC?

The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) is a global organization founded in 2006 by major payment card brands, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. The PCI SSC’s primary mission is to enhance global payment security by developing standards and best practices that protect payment card data throughout the transaction lifecycle.

Key Functions of PCI SSC:

  • Establishing and updating PCI Security Standards.
  • Providing resources, training, and certification programs.
  • Supporting merchants, financial institutions, and payment service providers in implementing compliance.
  • Conducting research to counteract emerging cybersecurity threats in payments.

Important note: PCI SSC does not enforce compliance; that responsibility falls on payment processors, acquiring banks, and regulatory authorities. However, following PCI standards is essential for minimizing breaches, avoiding financial penalties, and avoiding reputational damage.

Different Types of PCI Standards

PCI SSC has developed multiple security standards, each addressing different aspects of payment security. Understanding these standards is crucial for merchants, financial institutions, software vendors, and payment processors looking to secure their cardholder data environments (CDE).

1. PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

PCI DSS is a comprehensive security framework that protects cardholder data during storage, processing, and transmission. It applies to all entities storing, processing, or transmitting payment card information.

Who needs to comply?

  • Merchants (small businesses to large enterprises).
  • Payment processors & acquirers.
  • Financial institutions & banks.
  • Third-party service providers handling payment data.
  • All entities involved in payment card transactions.

Key Security Measures/Requirements:

  • Secure network: Avoid default passwords and maintain firewalls.
  • Data protection: Encrypt transmission of cardholder data and restrict storage in plain text.
  • Vulnerability management: Use anti-virus and updated security software.
  • Access controls: Implement role-based access to sensitive data.
  • Monitoring & testing: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.
  • Security policies: Train employees on payment security best practices and maintain an Information Security Policy

Read here about What is PCI DSS Compliance?
Know more about the PCI DSS Requirements and Checklist.

2. PCI Software Security Framework (PCI SSF)

The PCI SSF was introduced in October 2022 to replace the PA DSS. The standard ensures secure payment software development and lifecycle management, focusing on secure coding practices. This framework is critical for businesses using custom-built payment software or third-party payment applications.

PCI SSF consists of two standards:

  • Secure Software Standard (S3) – Ensures payment applications protect transactions from cyber threats.
  • Secure Software Lifecycle (Secure SLC) Standard – Focuses on developers following secure coding practices throughout the software lifecycle.

Who needs to comply?

  • Payment software vendors (POS, mobile payment apps, eCommerce platforms).
  • Developers of payment applications.
  • Businesses using custom payment software.

Key Security Measures/Requirements:

  • Secure coding practices: Follow OWASP best practices and encryption protocols.
  • Access controls: Limit privileged access to critical systems.
  • Threat monitoring: Implement real-time security testing.
  • Vulnerability management: Regularly update and patch software.

Read about the PCI SSF in this guide.

3. PCI 3-D Secure (PCI 3DS)

PCI 3DS improves the security of online card-not-present (CNP) transactions by adding an extra layer of authentication. This standard significantly reduces fraudulent chargebacks and enhances consumer trust.

Who needs to comply?

  • E-commerce businesses processing online payments.
  • Card issuers and acquiring banks.
  • Payment service providers (PSPs) offering online payment processing.

Key Security Measures/Requirements:

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) like OTPs, biometrics, or security questions.
  • Risk-based authentication (RBA) to assess transaction risk before approval.
  • Encryption & tokenization to secure the cardholder data in online payments.
  • Transaction monitoring to detect fraudulent transactions in real-time.

Read about the PCI 3D Secure here.

4. PCI PIN Security Standard

PCI PIN Standard ensures the secure management, processing, and transmission of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) for in-store and ATM transactions. It ensures the PINs used in card transactions are encrypted and secured from theft.

Who needs to comply?

  • Banks and financial institutions handling PIN transactions.
  • Merchants using PIN-enabled point-of-sale (POS) terminals.
  • ATM operators and payment networks.

Key Security Measures/Requirements:

  • End-to-end encryption (E2EE) for PINs.
  • Secure cryptographic key management.
  • Hardened security for PIN entry devices (PEDs).
  • Access control restrictions for PIN processing systems.

Read about the PCI PIN Security here.

5. PCI Point-to-Point Encryption (PCI P2PE)

PCI P2PE ensures cardholder data is encrypted at the point of interaction (POI), remains encrypted throughout its journey and is only decrypted at a secure endpoint, minimizing the risk of data leakage.

Who needs to comply?

  • Retailers and in-store merchants using card readers.
  • Payment gateways processing transactions.
  • POS system providers offering encryption solutions.

Key Security Measures/Requirements:

  • End-to-end encryption (E2EE) at the point of sale.
  • Strict control over decryption environments.
  • Tamper-resistant payment terminals.
  • Key management to prevent unauthorized access.

6. PCI Card Production & Provisioning Standards

This set of standards ensures security in card manufacturing, personalization, and distribution of both physical and digital cards. Financial institutions and card manufacturers must follow these standards to prevent fraud related to counterfeit cards and identity theft.

Who needs to comply?

  • Banks & financial institutions issuing credit/debit cards.
  • Card manufacturers & personalization bureaus.
  • Digital payment providers issuing virtual cards.

Key Security Measures/Requirements:

  • Secure printing and personalization facilities.
  • Strict physical security controls in card production facilities.
  • Cryptographic security for card personalization.
  • Tamper-resistant packaging and delivery.

7. PCI Standards for Mobile Payments on Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Devices

PCI SSC has released three standards for mobile payment security:

  • Software-Based PIN Entry on COTS (SPoC) – Ensures secure PIN entry on smartphones and tablets.
  • Contactless Payments on COTS (CPoC) – Regulates tap-to-pay transactions without additional hardware.
  • Mobile Payments on COTS (MPoC) – A flexible framework combining PIN security, contactless payments, and risk-based encryption.

a. Software-Based PIN Entry on COTS (SPoC)

SPoC allows PIN entry on mobile devices while maintaining security.

Who needs to comply?

  • Merchants using smartphones as payment terminals.
  • Payment processors offering mobile POS solutions.

Key Security Measures/Requirements:

  • Use of secure card readers for PIN entry.
  • End-to-end encryption for PIN transactions.
  • No PIN storage on mobile devices.

b. Contactless Payments on COTS (CPoC)

CPoC enables tap-to-pay transactions using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices like smartphones.

Who needs to comply?

  • Retailers and merchants accepting contactless payments.
  • Mobile payment service providers.

Key Security Measures/Requirements:

  • Secure hardware and software controls on mobile devices.
  • Transaction encryption for tap-to-pay transactions.
  • Tamper-resistant software protection.

c. Mobile Payments on COTS (MPoC)

MPoC is a flexible standard covering both PIN-based and contactless mobile payments.

Who needs to comply?

  • Businesses using smartphones/tablets for card payments.
  • Payment processors offering mobile payment solutions.

Key Security Measures/Requirements:

  • Dynamic risk assessment during transactions.
  • Multi-layered encryption for transaction security.
  • Authentication mechanisms to prevent fraud.

These standards enable businesses to securely accept payments using mobile phones and tablets, making payments more accessible and cost-effective.

The Role of PCI Standards in Payment Security

PCI security standards play a crucial role in:

  • Preventing data breaches by reducing the risk of credit card fraud and cyberattacks.
  • Building consumer trust as customers prefer businesses that protect their sensitive payment information.
  • Compliance helps companies to avoid fines and lawsuits which helps in reducing financial & legal risks.
  • Standardizing security across the payment industry creates a unified approach to global payment security.

By implementing PCI-compliant solutions, businesses can enhance security, meet regulatory obligations, and reduce liability.

Next Steps for Businesses:

  1. Assess your compliance level and identify relevant PCI standards.
  2. Implement encryption, tokenization, and multi-factor authentication.
  3. Work with PCI compliant payment processors to reduce compliance burden.
  4. Conduct regular security audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
  5. Engage with a PCI QSA (Qualified Security Assessor) to conduct a formal compliance assessment, identify vulnerabilities, and guide your organization through certification.

Why Ampcus Cyber is Your Ultimate Partner for PCI Compliance

Navigating PCI compliance can be complex, time-consuming, and resource-intensive for businesses. Whether you’re an eCommerce merchant, financial institution, or payment processor, ensuring your payment environment meets PCI standards is crucial to securing transactions and avoiding penalties. Ampcus Cyber simplifies the process by providing expert-driven PCI solutions and services tailored to your specific business needs.

1. Expertise in PCI Compliance & Security Frameworks

Ampcus Cyber has deep expertise in PCI DSS, PCI SSF, PCI 3DS, PCI PIN, and other security frameworks. Our team of PCI Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) and security experts help businesses understand, implement, and maintain PCI compliance with ease.

2. End-to-End Compliance Support

From scoping, gap assessments to full-scale PCI certification, Ampcus Cyber offers comprehensive PCI services, including:

  • Identifying scope and finding gaps in the card data environment for PCI readiness assessments
  • Remediation assistance to implement security controls and address vulnerabilities before formal PCI audits.
  • Work with expert QSAs for seamless PCI Certification and audit support.
  • Ongoing monitoring & compliance management to stay PCI-compliant year-round.

3. Industry-Specific Solutions for E-Commerce & Financial Services

Ampcus Cyber specializes in helping:

  • E-commerce businesses secure transactions and customer data.
  • Payment processors ensure their systems meet PCI DSS & PIN security requirements.
  • Banks & financial institutions strengthen cardholder data protection.

4. Proactive Security Approach

We go beyond compliance. Ampcus Cyber helps businesses proactively defend against cyber threats, reducing the risk of fraud, data breaches, and minimizing financial losses.

5. Hassle-Free Compliance with Trusted Experts

With years of experience in cybersecurity and PCI compliance, Ampcus Cyber takes the burden off your internal teams. We handle complex security requirements so you can focus on growing your business while staying fully PCI-compliant.

Final Thoughts

The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) and its security standards provide a strong foundation for payment security. By understanding PCI DSS, PCI SSF, PCI 3DS, PCI PIN, and other key standards, businesses can fortify their payment systems, reduce frauds, avoid penalties, protect customer data and build trust.

Contact with Ampcus Cyber to streamline your multiple PCI standards compliance and secure your payment systems with confidence.

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