PCI Security Standards Council

On September 7, 2006, American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard, and Visa Inc. established the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council with the objective of supervising the continued advancement of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. The PCI Council established a set of security standards known as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which consists of twelve major requirements and multiple sub-requirements, as well as numerous directives against which businesses can measure their own payment card security policies, procedures, and guidelines. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards are maintained, evolved, and promoted by the Council. It also includes key instruments for standard implementation, such as assessment and scanning qualifications, self-evaluation questionnaires, training and education, and product certification programs. Conferences and events organized by the PCI are always industry-leading and highly recommended.