Not only is PCI DSS compliance a requirement for any organization that impacts the security of cardholder data, the framework is regarded as one of the best ways to secure confidential transaction data from theft or fraud and build trust with customers. 

PCI DSS is difficult to maintain, explaining why  only 27.9% of organizations achieved 100% PCI compliance when assessed between audits in 2019 and only 43.4% did in 2020. This indicates that the majority of organizations are putting the security of customers’ cardholder data at risk due to a lack of long-term PCI compliance strategy and execution. 

One challenge is the framework’s complexity. It currently consists of 6 prime objectives, 12 requirements, and hundreds of controls.

To help you get a clear understanding of this framework and guidance for how to comply, we are going to focus on the key areas below.