The security of digital payments is constantly evolving to address increasingly sophisticated threats in the financial ecosystem. In this context, PCI DSS version 4.0 (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) represents a significant step forward in protecting payment data, incorporating stricter requirements, greater flexibility in implementation, and a focus on continuous security.
This new standard, developed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), has been updated with input from the global industry to ensure its effectiveness against new cyber threats.
What is PCI DSS?
PCI DSS is a global security standard designed to protect payment data at all stages of the transactional process. Its aim is to reduce the risk of fraud by implementing a series of technical and operational controls that all entities processing, storing, or transmitting payment card data must follow.
Version 4.0, released in 2022, marks a significant evolution from the previous version (v3.2.1), which will remain active until March 31, 2024 to allow organizations time to adopt the new requirements. Additionally, some requirements will become mandatory starting on March 31, 2025.
Key Changes in PCI DSS v4.0
The new standard introduces significant changes in several key areas:
1️⃣ Increased Security Against Emerging Threats
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This requirement is expanded to include all access to environments with payment data, not just administrative access.
- Specific requirements to protect e-commerce and prevent phishing attacks.
- New password management requirements, with more robust complexity and rotation criteria.
2️⃣ Continuous Focus on Security
- Specific roles and responsibilities are established for each requirement.
- Greater emphasis on security as a continuous process rather than a one-time compliance effort.
- Introduction of custom risk assessments that allow organizations to define the frequency of certain activities based on their risk profile.
3️⃣ Greater Flexibility in Implementation
- Use of custom approaches to meet requirements is allowed, provided that it is demonstrated that the same levels of security are achieved.
- Use of shared and generic accounts is permitted in certain cases, under specific controls.
- Alignment of compliance reporting is optimized to facilitate transparency in the required documentation.
4️⃣ Enhanced Validation and Compliance
- Greater clarity on validation methods and required documentation in Reports on Compliance (ROC) and Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ).
- Increased alignment between reported information and the Attestation of Compliance (AOC).
Structure of PCI DSS v4.0
The standard is still structured around 12 main requirements, grouped into six security objectives:
| Objective | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Build and Maintain a Secure Network and Systems | 1. Install and maintain a firewall configuration. 2. Apply secure configurations to all system components. |
| Protect Cardholder Data | 3. Protect stored cardholder data. 4. Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open and public networks. |
| Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program | 5. Protect systems and networks from malicious software. 6. Develop and maintain secure systems and applications. |
| Implement Strong Access Control Measures | 7. Restrict access to cardholder data on a need-to-know basis. 8. Identify and authenticate access to system components. 9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data. |
| Regularly Monitor and Test Networks | 10. Track and monitor all access to system components and cardholder data. 11. Regularly test security of systems and networks. |
| Maintain an Information Security Policy | 12. Support information security with organizational policies and programs. |
The Impact of PCI DSS v4.0 on Businesses
All organizations handling payment card data must prepare to comply with PCI DSS v4.0. This involves:
✅ Assessing and updating their security systems to meet the new requirements.
✅ Implementing multi-factor authentication for all access to sensitive data.
✅ Conducting more frequent and detailed security audits.
✅ Continuously adapting risk management and information security processes.
Companies that fail to comply with these regulations may face fines of up to $100,000 per month, loss of customer trust, and increased exposure to financial fraud.
Conclusion
The transition to PCI DSS v4.0 presents a challenge, but also an opportunity to strengthen the security of payment data in an increasingly complex digital environment. Implementing these new controls will allow companies to enhance their protection against cyber threats and maintain customer trust.
Compliance with PCI DSS should not be seen merely as an obligation, but as a key strategy for minimizing the risk of attacks and ensuring security in financial transactions.
🔍 For more information and access to official documentation, visit:
PCI Security Standards Council