Payment Systems Technology Standards
PCI DSS 4.0 Compliance & Security Requirements
Understanding the evolution of payment security standards and implementing best practices for secure card data processing.
Evolution of PCI DSS and Transition to Version 4.0
In March 2022, the PCI SSC released PCI DSS v4.0 after three rounds of public comments from over 200 companies, incorporating 6,000 pieces of feedback. The standard emphasizes flexibility to meet the evolving security needs of the payment industry.
March 2022
PCI DSS v4.0 released by PCI SSC
Until March 31, 2024
PCI DSS v3.2.1 remains active
March 31, 2025
Full implementation of new requirements
Authentication and Access Management
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Studies demonstrate that proper MFA implementation can prevent up to 99.9% of account compromise attacks.
- Prevents up to 99.9% of account compromise attacks
- Expanded to all Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) access
- No longer limited to just remote access
- Required for all system components
Passwords and Passphrases
Version 4.0 introduces stricter password requirements for enhanced security.
7 characters minimum
12 characters minimum
90-day change for all
90-day change only without MFA
Group and Shared Accounts
Unlike v3.2.1, version 4.0 permits group/shared accounts under specific conditions.
Limited duration access
Mandatory approval process
Individual action tracking
Regular auditing requirements
Compliance Assessment Approaches
Defined Approach
Traditional method following clearly defined requirements
Customized Approach
Achievement-focused method allowing independent control mechanisms
Infrastructure Requirements
Tier III or higher reliability for data centers
Geographic separation of processing centers
Redundant communication channels from different providers
Minimum primary channel bandwidth: 1 Gbps
Dynamic routing protocols (BGP, OSPF)
Performance Requirements
< 2 seconds
Authorization Response
1,000+ TPS
Processing Capacity
99.999%
System Availability
5 minutes
Maximum Annual Downtime
Security Requirements
Encrypted data transmission and storage
Regular penetration testing
Real-time security monitoring
Mandatory encrypted backup
Practical Implementation Steps
Recommended transition steps for PCI DSS 4.0 compliance
Analyze Current State
Assess current security posture and gaps
Select Approach
Choose Defined or Customized assessment approach
Develop Plan
Create detailed transition roadmap
Train Personnel
Ensure staff understand new requirements
Update Documentation
Revise procedures and policies
Test Controls
Validate new control mechanisms
Key Focus Areas
Assessment methodology selection
Technology infrastructure updates
Documentation and procedures revision
Training and awareness programs