PCI DSS compliance solutions that put you in control
PCI DSS compliance doesn’t always need to be a struggle. With NordLayer, you can better protect and control cardholder data, limit the systems auditors need to review, and make meeting PCI requirements easier for everyone.
We’re trusted by
OVERVIEW
Lower the stress of PCI DSS compliance
PCI DSS compliance means protecting cardholder data and meeting strict payment security standards. NordLayer makes that easier to manage. While other solutions often create complexity, performance issues, and more work for IT, we help you stay aligned with PCI requirements in a faster, more controlled, and less disruptive way.
Reduce PCI DSS scope with segmented access
Create multiple Virtual Private Gateways (VPGs) and use Cloud LAN and the Cloud Firewall feature to isolate cardholder data systems, ensuring each user can only access the resources they need to work.
Make your PCI DSS audits less painful
Cut audit prep from weeks to days. Use a single console to review CDE access, VPN sessions, unsuccessful login attempts, and firewall rules, then quickly share ready-to-use exports with your QSA.
Roll out Zero Trust security without big rewrites
Start with remote and admin access to PCI systems, then expand in phases. NordLayer sits on top of your existing network, so you gain Zero Trust-style controls without rewriting applications.
See how NordLayer makes PCI DSS easier to manage
MEETING THE STANDARDS
PCI DSS controls and requirements
To achieve PCI compliance, your organization needs to follow 12 requirements set by the PCI Security Standards Council. These PCI DSS requirements fall under six overarching categories that provide an overview of the security controls necessary to comply.
Build and maintain a secure network and systems
- Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
- Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters
Maintain protection of cardholder data
- Ensure all cardholder data is stored and managed securely
- Encrypt transmission of data across open, public networks
Maintain a vulnerability management program
- Run frequent vulnerability scans across your network
- Use and regularly update your anti-virus, threat detection/prevention tools
- Develop and maintain secure systems and application
Implement strong access control measures
- Restrict access to cardholder data by businesses
- Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access
- Restrict physical access to credit card data
Regular monitoring of test networks
- Track and monitor all access to network resources
- Regularly test security systems and processes
Maintain an information security policy
- Follow a policy that addresses information security for all personnel
SEE THE VALUE
How NordLayer helps get you PCI DSS compliant
NordLayer helps you create a secure cloud infrastructure that protects your critical resources—giving you more confidence that your systems are compliant and resilient
Network security
Strengthen your network security and protect your growing business from malware and other threats with PCI DSS solutions that are built for scale.
SSE
Benefit from a multi-layered security framework that unifies Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and more.
Network segmentation
Set user permissions and stay in control by limiting access only to the resources your teams need to do their jobs.
You must always know where customer cardholder data is going and how it will be stored to prevent data breaches and maintain trust.
Traffic encryption
Protect your sensitive customer data as it moves between networks using AES 256 or ChaCha20 encryption.
Constantly test your systems for vulnerabilities that could allow the execution of malicious code.
Threat protection
Stop threats before they reach your people and respond quickly by automatically restricting access to untrusted websites and users.
Jailbroken device detection
Get real-time alerts whenever compromised or vulnerable devices appear on your network so admins can address them instantly.
To stay PCI DSS compliant, every user should be assigned unique, properly verified credentials for accessing critical systems.
Identity & Access Management
Confirm each remote user’s digital identity before granting them access to your sensitive data or business resources.
Zero Trust Network Access
Securely verify every access attempt to ensure only trusted users and devices can enter your network.
Network Access Control
Apply device and user rules that limit network access only to those who meet your security standards.
Virtual Private gateways
Create a safe tunnel to connect and transport encrypted data between devices, the cloud, and enterprise servers.
Run regular vulnerability scans and keep constant watch over your network for any risks that could harm your business and your customers.
Activity monitoring and visibility
Track real-time interactions so your admins can react quickly when someone violates security requirements.
Keep your security policies up to date
Strengthen PCI DSS compliance by regularly updating security policies for employees, management, and third parties.
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Increase account security by requiring that all users confirm their identity with a second factor before logging in.
Biometrics
Add another layer of verification with fingerprint or facial recognition that’s hard for threat actors to impersonate.
Single sign-on (SSO)
Simplify access by allowing users to log in to multiple cloud applications with one secure set of credentials.
User provisioning
Create, update, and remove user identities automatically so access always matches each user’s current role.
Network segmentation
Limit the impact of a breach by preventing attackers from moving laterally across your network if one area is compromised.
Need help meeting PCI DSS requirements?
Talk to NordLayer’s specialists to find the right security approach for your organization. We’ll guide you through the next steps so you can confidently work toward PCI DSS compliance and better protect your business.
GET THE INSIGHTS
PCI DSS Resources
MULTI-FRAMEWORK SUPPORT
Your compliance needs go beyond a single standard
GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, HIPAA, NIS2, and Cyber Essentials all play a role in keeping your business data secure. NordLayer supports your efforts to meet each of these standards with strong AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption and secure access controls, giving you a simpler way to align with multiple frameworks.
ADDITIONAL INFO
Frequently asked questions
PCI DSS compliance is the process of protecting cardholder data by following a global standard that supports strong information security.
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is an industry requirement for securing cardholder data worldwide. Established by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC)—which consists of American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide, and Visa Inc.—the PCI DSS must be followed if an organization wishes to process, store, or transmit the cardholder data of their customers whose cards are issued by these brands.
PCI DSS compliance is not automatically mandated by the PCI requirements themselves. In practice, it is usually required by payment brands and acquirers for any organization that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. Ultimately, it’s your contractual obligations with the card network or acquirer that determine whether you must comply.
The people, processes, and technology within your organization that interact with or are exposed to payment card information are subject to the PCI DSS. To ensure your organization is PCI compliant, you’ll need to adhere to the 12 requirements set by the PCI Security Standards Council.
You work toward PCI compliance by implementing recognized and trusted security controls and PCI DSS compliance solutions that help you address the requirements set by the PCI Security Standards Council.
The levels of PCI compliance validation needed to maintain data security standards will depend on the requirements set by each card network or acquirer. Each payment brand provides its own validation criteria and guidance. Here’s an example of how those PCI compliance levels usually look.
Level 1 applies to businesses that handle over 6 million transactions each year and requires a full on-site audit by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).
Level 2 applies to businesses that handle 1-6 million transactions each year and requires quarterly vulnerability scans and an annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).
Level 3 applies to businesses that handle 20,000 to 1 million card transactions per year and also requires quarterly vulnerability scans and an annual SAQ.
Level 4 applies to businesses that fall below the 20,000 transactions per year threshold and requires a simplified SAQ that supports ongoing risk management.