PCI DSS Compliance Hub
Your mission control for PCI DSS 4.0 readiness. Navigate technical requirements, estimate certification costs, and prepare for your QSA assessment.
Last updated: 2026-01-10. Fully updated for PCI DSS v4.0.
PCI DSS Planning Tools
Interactive calculators to plan your PCI DSS 4.0 compliance journey.
PCI Readiness Scorecard
Identify technical gaps against the 12 PCI DSS requirements before your QSA arrives.
PCI Cost Estimator
Estimate QSA fees, ASV scanning costs, and internal engineering effort.
Find a QSA
Connect with qualified security assessors vetted for your specific stack and industry.
PCI Automation ROI
Compare the ROI of using a compliance platform vs. manual spreadsheet evidence collection.
The 12 Requirements
PCI DSS consists of 12 core requirements designed to protect cardholder data (CHD) and the systems that process it.
Network Security Controls
Install and maintain network security controls (firewalls) to protect the cardholder data environment.
Secure Configurations
Apply secure configurations to all system components. Change default passwords and settings.
Protect Stored Account Data
Protect stored cardholder data. Use encryption, truncation, masking, and hashing.
Protect Data During Transmission
Protect cardholder data with strong cryptography during transmission over open, public networks.
Protect Against Malware
Protect all systems and networks from malicious software by using anti-virus software or programs.
Secure Systems and Software
Develop and maintain secure systems and software. Perform regular vulnerability assessments.
Restrict Access by Business Need
Restrict access to cardholder data by business need to know. Implement least privilege.
Identify & Authenticate Access
Identify and authenticate access to system components. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Restrict Physical Access
Restrict physical access to cardholder data. Use locks, cameras, and badge access.
Log & Monitor Access
Log and monitor all access to system components and cardholder data.
Test Security Regularly
Test security of systems and networks regularly. Perform internal/external vulnerability scans and pentests.
Support Information Security
Support information security with organizational policies and programs.
Industry-Specific Roadmap
Tailored PCI DSS guidance for your specific business model and transaction volume.
Ecommerce
Focus on payment gateway integration, SAQ A-EP requirements, and web application firewalls.
View RoadmapFintech
Deep dive into transaction processing, tokenization, and multi-tenant cloud security.
View RoadmapRetail
Emphasis on POS security, physical access controls, and network segmentation.
View RoadmapSaaS
Best practices for cloud-native applications, infrastructure as code, and CI/CD security.
View RoadmapFind a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)
PCI DSS assessments must be performed by certified QSAs for Level 1 compliance. Find vetted firms in major tech hubs.
View QSA DirectoryPCI DSS 4.0 FAQs
What is the difference between PCI DSS 3.2.1 and 4.0?
PCI DSS 4.0 is the latest version, introducing a more flexible "customized approach" to meeting requirements, increased emphasis on continuous monitoring, and new requirements for MFA and e-commerce security.
Do I need a QSA for PCI compliance?
It depends on your transaction volume. Level 1 merchants typically require an On-Site Assessment by a QSA, while Level 2-4 may be eligible for a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).
How often do I need to perform ASV scans?
Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) scans must be performed at least quarterly on all external-facing IP addresses in the cardholder data environment.
Master PCI DSS 4.0 Compliance
Get your readiness score and identify exact technical gaps before your next QSA assessment.