PCI-DSS and GDPR address data security and privacy, although their respective scopes, objectives, and legal requirements are distinct. PCI-DSS is focused on payment card data security and is primarily driven by the payment card industry, in contrast to GDPR which is a comprehensive data protection regulation applicable to a broader range of personal data processing activities having global implications for organizations handling the data of EU residents and beyond.

What is PCI-DSS?

PCI-DSS is a thorough set of security standards to protect sensitive cardholder data. All organizations, regardless of size or industry, engaging in the processing or keeping cardholder data must adhere to this standard, enforced by the PCI Security Standards Council, a group of essential payment card corporations like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. The framework has 12 fundamental requirements that force organizations to adhere to strict network protection, access control, and data security regulations.

What is GDPR?

GDPR, a European Union regulation, grants individuals increased authority over personal data. It is overseen by the European Data Protection Board, which ensures compliance with data privacy rules within the EU. The GDPR applies to organizations that process the personal data of EU residents and those in countries such as the UK that have adopted their own GDPR-like regulations post-Brexit. This regulation empowers individuals by allowing them to dictate how organizations collect, process, and store their personal information, emphasizing transparency and data protection. It aims to enhance individual’s privacy rights and data security.