PCI DSS Compliance Checklist: Prepare your environment for a PCI DSS assessment

Build and Maintain a Secure Network and Systems With PCI DSS

• Install and maintain properly configurated firewalls to restrict inbound and outbound traffic to the cardholder data environment.
  • Ensure firewall rules are reviewed at least every 6 months. Maintain a record of the reviews.
• Remove vendor-supplied default settings.
  • Default passwords and settings should be changed for all system components.
• Follow documented configuration standards and hardening procedures.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive data flow and network diagrams.
• Create an accurate inventory of in-scope systems to ensure the scope of the assessment is accurate.

Protect Stored Cardholder Data

• Encrypt stored cardholder data using industry-accepted encryption algorithms and keys.
  • Ensure the key custodians have acknowledged their key custodian responsibilities.
• Stored cardholder data should not exceed what is required in the Data Retention policy.
• Mask PAN when displayed unless there is a business need to view the full PAN.
• Encrypt the transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.
• Wireless technologies transmitting cardholder data must be secured using strong encryption for authentication and transmission.

Vulnerability Management Program

• Protect systems against malware and update anti-virus programs regularly.
  • Ensure all in-scope systems commonly affected by malicious software have an anti-virus solution deployed.
  • The anti-virus definitions must be current and period scans must be performed.
• Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.
  • A process must be in place to identify and rank security vulnerabilities.
  • Critical security patches must be installed within one month of release.
• A software development process must be followed for internal and external software applications:
  • Development must be based on industry standards and/or best practices.
  • Common coding vulnerabilities should be addressed in the development process.
• Public-facing web applications must have application security assessments performed or have an automated technical solution that detects and prevents web-based attacks (eg. Web application firewalls).
• Change control processes must be followed and documented for all changes to system components.

Implement Strong Access Control Measures

• Restrict access to cardholder data and the cardholder data environment by business need to know.
  • Access should be authorized and approved prior to establishment.
  • Access should be regularly reviewed to ensure appropriate access is assigned.
• Identify and authenticate access to system components.
  • Users should be assigned unique user IDs.
  • Strong password configurations must be implemented.
  • Multi-factor authentication is required for all remote network access and non-console administrative access to the cardholder data environment.
  • Vendor accounts should be enabled only when needed and monitored when in use.

Restrict Physical Access to Cardholder Data

• Facility entry controls must be in place to limit physical access to systems in the cardholder data environment.
  • This can be controlled via badge readers or other access control mechanisms.
  • The access control mechanisms must keep a log of entries for at least three months.
• Procedures must be in place to distinguish between visitors and onsite personnel.
  • A visitor log must be maintained and stored for at least three months.
• Media containing cardholder data must be secured.
  • The movement of any media must be tracked.
  • Secure destruction procedures should be followed when disposing of media.
• Procedures must be established for securing devices that capture payment card data.
  • A list of devices must be maintained.
  • Personnel must be trained on how to inspect devices for tampering.

Regularly Monitor and Test Networks

• All-access to in-scope systems and cardholder data must be logged and monitored.
  • Logs must be secured from unauthorized access and modifications.
  • Logs must be reviewed daily or configured to alert on anomalies.
  • Logs must be stored for at least one year with three months immediately available for review.
• Time-synchronization technology must be in place.
  • Designated time servers should receive time from an industry-accepted external source.
  • All other systems should receive time from the designated time server(s).
• Service Providers must have processes in place to detect failures of security control systems.

Regularly Test Security Systems and Processes

• Processes must be in place to detect unauthorized wireless access points.
• Internal and external vulnerability scans must be performed at least quarterly and after any significant change in the network.
  • Internal re-scans must be performed until all high-risk vulnerabilities are remediated.
  • External scans must be performed via an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV). Rescans must be performed until a passing scan is achieved.
• Internal, external, and application penetration testing (where applicable) must be performed at least annually or after any significant changes.
• Intrusion detection/prevention systems must be in place and should be configured to alert on suspected compromises.
• File Integrity Monitoring must be deployed and configured to alert personnel of unauthorized modifications.

Maintain an Information Security Policy

• Information Security Policies should be reviewed annually and disseminated to all internal and third-party personnel.
  • Policies should address areas such as employee acceptable use, service provider management, and employment pre-screening.
• Perform Risk Assessments at least annually and upon significant changes to the environment.
• Personnel should receive Security Awareness Training upon hire and annually.
• Maintain an Incident Response Plan and Incident Handling procedures.

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