10 Things You Should Know About PCI Compliance

10 Things You Should Know About PCI Compliance
Published: Oct 17, 2007
Updated: Feb 2, 2021
2 minute read
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10 Things You Should Know About PCI Compliance

10 Things You Should Know About PCI Compliance

Up-to-Date Network Map Requirement 1.1.2 asks for a current network diagram with all connections to cardholder data, including any wireless networks. This is essential for managing any network and will significantly decrease the time needed to l


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Sync Router Config Files Requirement 1.3.6 specifies that a routers running configuration should match its startup configuration. This means that if a router power cycles for some reason, it will come back up in a working state as last configu


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Reduce the Attack Surface Requirement 2.2.4 mandates that all unnecessary functionality be removed from systems. Dumping unneeded scripts, drivers, features and subsystems is a classic first step in securing a system and almost always mea


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Minimize Cardholder Data Storage Requirement 3.1 makes it the rule to store only minimal cardholder data. This not only reduces storage costs, but also minimizes the risks associated with storing sensitive data, such as having to disclose data


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Document System and Software Changes Requirement 6.4 and its progeny mandate the use of a documented change control system to assess change impact, implementing management control over changes and following testing procedures to make sure operati


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Develop Secure Web Apps Requirement 6.5 calls for developers to use OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) guidelines to prevent common coding errors. Secure coding practices can be a co-factor leading to more thoughtfully written applicat


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Spindle, Staple and Mutilate Requirement 9.10 specifies that media containing cardholder data should be destroyed when no longer needed for business or legal reasons. The operational gains include greatly reduced liability and the paring away


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At the Tone, the Time Will Be… Requirement 10.4 simply states that IT managers must, Synchronize all critical system clocks and times. Correct and centrally managed time services are essential to a well-run network. Implementing a


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Keep an Eye on the Shop Requirement 11.5 asks that a file integrity monitoring system be deployed to alert IT staff when unauthorized modifications are made to critical system or content files. Preventing unauthorized changes increases the likeli


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Acceptable Use Requirement 12.3.5 asks for the creation of a policy on acceptable use of technology. Notifying users of what is considered acceptable use makes it clear that unacceptable, and often risky, uses are prohibited. This promotes a heal


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Cameron Sturdevant

Cameron Sturdevant is the executive editor of Enterprise Networking Planet. Prior to ENP, Cameron was technical analyst at PCWeek Labs, starting in 1997. Cameron finished up as the eWEEK Labs Technical Director in 2012. Before his extensive labs tenure Cameron paid his IT dues working in technical support and sales engineering at a software publishing firm . Cameron also spent two years with a database development firm, integrating applications with mainframe legacy programs. Cameron's areas of expertise include virtual and physical IT infrastructure, cloud computing, enterprise networking and mobility. In addition to reviews, Cameron has covered monolithic enterprise management systems throughout their lifecycles, providing the eWEEK reader with all-important history and context. Cameron takes special care in cultivating his IT manager contacts, to ensure that his analysis is grounded in real-world concern. Follow Cameron on Twitter at csturdevant, or reach him by email at cameron.sturdevant@quinstreet.com.

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