The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is an information security standard for companies that handle credit card and debit card transactions. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, founded by American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, and Visa, created PCI DSS to reduce cases of fraud.
There are 4 levels of PCI compliance with the highest being Level 1. To be PCI compliant, 6 categories must be met:
1. Maintain a Secure Network
2. Protect Cardholder Data
3. Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
4. Implement Strong Access Control Measures
5. Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
6. Maintain an Information Security Policy