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What is PCI DSS Compliance? A Complete Guide for Indian Businesses
By Jupiter Team · · 4 min read
What is PCI DSS?
PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It is a globally accepted set of rules designed to ensure that companies handling credit or debit card data do so securely.
Developed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which includes members like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB, PCI DSS helps protect cardholder information from fraud, misuse, and data breaches.
Note: PCI DCC is likely a misnomer or confusion with “PCI DSS”. DCC usually stands for Dynamic Currency Conversion, which is not directly related to PCI standards. This article would clarify this and focus on PCI DSS.
In simple terms: If your business accepts card payments, PCI DSS tells you how to protect that data.
‘PCI DSS Compliance’ in some of the Indian Languages
Fascinating Fact #1:
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) stated that in May 2024, an average of 7,000 cybercrime complaints were recorded daily.
How to explain the concept of PCI DSS to kids?
Imagine you run a digital store and accept card payments. PCI DSS is like a safety manual you follow so no one steals your customers' card information. It says things like: lock your doors (firewalls), give each staff their own key (user ID), and check your CCTV (logs). If you break the rules, you could lose your right to accept payments or get fined.
Why PCI DSS Compliance Matters in India
India's rapid shift to digital payments has made data security a top priority. Here's why PCI DSS matters:
- Protects cardholder data from fraud
- Builds trust with customers and partners
- Reduces risk of legal and financial penalties
- Aligns with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and RBI guidelines
Whether you're a startup or a payment aggregator, PCI DSS compliance shows you're serious about data security.
The 12 Core Requirements of PCI DSS
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the 12 mandatory rules all compliant businesses must follow:
Fascinating Facts #2:
Over half of the respondents reported unauthorised charges on their credit cards by both domestic and international merchants in recent surveys of Indian fraud victims.
Who Needs to Be PCI DSS Compliant?
Any Indian business that processes, stores, or transmits cardholder data must comply. This includes:
- E-commerce websites
- POS merchants
- Payment gateways and fintech startups
- Wallet providers
- SaaS companies accepting card payments
Remember: Even if you outsource payments to a third-party processor, you’re still responsible for compliance.
PCI DSS vs ISO 27001: Key Differences
How to Become PCI DSS Compliant
- Identify your compliance level (Level 1–4 based on transaction volume)
- Conduct a self-assessment or hire a QSA (Qualified Security Assessor)
- Implement security controls
- Run vulnerability scans and audits
- Submit SAQ or ROC (Self-Assessment Questionnaire or Report on Compliance)
- Get attestation from acquiring bank or card network
Common Challenges and Myths
- Myth: Only large companies need PCI DSS.
Fact: All card-accepting merchants must comply. - Myth: Outsourcing payments makes you exempt.
Fact: You’re still responsible for user data security. - Myth: PCI DSS = one-time process.
Fact: It requires ongoing monitoring and annual renewals.
Small Businesses and PCI DSS
Even if you’re a small shop accepting card payments via POS, you must:
- Use compliant terminals
- Secure your Wi-Fi network
- Keep staff trained
- Regularly monitor transactions
PCI DSS Compliance for E-commerce Platforms
Online platforms must:
- Use HTTPS with strong SSL
- Avoid storing full card numbers
- Integrate with compliant payment gateways
- Maintain a robust firewall and server monitoring
Legal Obligations in India
While PCI DSS isn’t a law, RBI mandates data protection and payment security. Non-compliance may result in:
- Account suspension by banks
- Blacklisting by Visa/Mastercard
- Loss of customer trust
- Regulatory scrutiny under DPDP Act or CERT-IN
Common Penalties for Non-Compliance
- ₹5–₹50 lakhs in fines (depending on breach impact)
- Suspension of merchant account
- Legal action in case of data theft
Lack of awareness, outdated ATMs and less-secure cards make Indians an easy target for criminal gangs.
FAQs
Q1. What is PCI DSS compliance?
It means following a global security standard to protect cardholder data.
Q2. Who needs to follow PCI DSS in India?
All businesses that process, store, or transmit card data.
Q3. Is PCI DSS mandatory?
Yes, for anyone/ any organisation accepting card payments, as per card network rules.
Q4. What happens if I don’t comply?
You could face penalties, account suspension, or loss of business reputation.
Q5. What’s the difference between PCI DSS and ISO 27001?
PCI is focused on payment data, while ISO covers all information security.
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