Everything You Need to Know About PCI DSS Scope and How to Create It!
Why Scope Matters!
In the world of digital security, protecting cardholder data is crucial, and understanding the scope of PCI DSS is an essential part of this protection.
PCI DSS, or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, sets out a comprehensive set of requirements to ensure that cardholder data is kept safe from breaches and unauthorized access.
The PCI scope thoroughly examines all the elements that come into contact with cardholder data, including the systems, processes, and people that handle this sensitive information.
This means looking at not just the direct interactions with cardholder data but also any systems or technologies that could potentially impact its security.
Essentially, it’s about understanding which parts of your organization’s operations are involved in managing cardholder data and ensuring they meet all the necessary security standards.
The PCI DSS requires that your Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) — the area where cardholder data is stored, processed, or transmitted — comply with all 12 of its stringent requirements.
These requirements cover everything from network security to access controls, aiming to create a secure environment for handling cardholder data.
However, many organizations struggle with interpreting these requirements and determining which systems fall within the PCI scope.
This can lead to confusion and, in some cases, vulnerabilities in data protection.
In this article, we will break down the concept of PCI DSS scope in simple terms, clarify what is included in the scope, and provide practical advice on how to ensure your organization meets these important security standards.
By understanding and effectively managing your PCI scope, you can better protect cardholder data and achieve compliance with PCI DSS requirements.
Join us as we explore these topics and guide you through the steps to secure your cardholder data environment effectively.
Understanding PCI Scope: What You Need to Know
PCI scope is a fundamental concept in securing cardholder data. It encompasses all the processes, people, and technologies involved with cardholder data that could affect its security.
Essentially, any part of your organization that interacts with or influences cardholder data is considered “in scope.”
As a result, if your environment includes more systems that handle cardholder data, you will need more sophisticated systems and processes to secure and manage this data effectively.
To embark on your PCI compliance journey, the first step is to define your PCI scope by identifying all components connected to or included in your Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).
The CDE refers to the systems and areas where cardholder data is stored, processed, or transmitted.
These components must be protected according to the PCI DSS standards to ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive information.
In scope means that these systems interact with or impact cardholder data and must be evaluated for compliance with PCI DSS security requirements.
Given that PCI DSS includes over 300 requirements, it’s crucial to understand which components are within your organization’s PCI scope to ensure you meet all necessary standards.
One effective way to determine the overall PCI scope is by mapping out how cardholder data flows through your organization.
This process helps your security team pinpoint which systems and processes need protection.
Accurate PCI DSS scoping involves a detailed understanding of how cardholder data moves through your systems and environment, which is essential for implementing the appropriate security measures and achieving compliance.
Internal Systems and Networks: Key Elements for PCI Compliance
When it comes to PCI compliance, any assets that store, transmit, or process payment card data fall under what is known as the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).
This means that all system components involved in handling payment card information are considered “in scope” for compliance purposes.
The PCI Data Security Standard (DSS) applies to all entities involved in the payment card ecosystem, including merchants, issuers, processors, and service providers.
Your CDE encompasses all the processes, people, and technologies that interact with cardholder data or sensitive authentication details.
Therefore, every component within this environment must adhere to PCI DSS security requirements to ensure robust protection of payment card information.
In essence, if your systems or networks are engaged in any part of the payment card process, they are integral to your PCI compliance efforts.
Understanding and managing these internal systems and networks are crucial for maintaining a secure and compliant Cardholder Data Environment.
Service Providers and Third Parties: Essential Considerations for PCI Compliance
PCI compliance is not limited to just your internal systems; it also encompasses service providers and third parties that interact with or support your Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).
This includes any business partners, remote support services, and external entities that have access to or could potentially impact the security of your CDE.
Service providers and other third parties are integral to the PCI DSS scope because their involvement in your payment card processes can directly or indirectly affect the security of cardholder data.
If these external parties have access to sensitive information or systems within your CDE, their practices and security measures must also meet PCI DSS standards.
Managing the compliance of these external entities is crucial. Their vulnerabilities or lapses in security can compromise your entire CDE, making it essential to ensure that they adhere to PCI DSS requirements.
This includes evaluating their security practices, ensuring they are contractually obligated to comply with PCI standards, and regularly reviewing their compliance status.
By addressing the compliance of service providers and third parties, you help safeguard your cardholder data and maintain the integrity of your overall security posture.
Understanding PCI Scope: Key Categories
As you embark on your PCI compliance journey, the initial scoping exercise involves categorizing your systems into three distinct categories: out of scope, in scope, and connected to.
Each of these categories plays a crucial role in defining how your organization approaches PCI compliance.
Here’s a closer look at what these terms mean and why they matter:
In-Scope:
This category encompasses systems that have a direct impact on, are connected to, or are involved with cardholder data and its security.
These systems play a crucial role in handling or protecting cardholder data and must be assessed against all PCI DSS requirements.
Each requirement must be evaluated to ensure that the necessary security controls are in place.
Because these systems directly affect the security of cardholder data, they are fully subject to PCI DSS standards, making their security a top priority.
Out-of-Scope:
Systems classified as out-of-scope do not have access to the cardholder data environment (CDE).
These systems are considered untrusted or public since there is no assurance that they are secured according to PCI DSS standards.
However, if an out-of-scope system has any form of access to in-scope systems or shares the same network, VLAN, or subnet, it must be brought into the scope of PCI DSS.
In such cases, stringent controls must be implemented to prevent any potential access to the CDE through these out-of-scope systems.
Connected-To:
Systems that are connected to the CDE but do not directly handle cardholder data are also part of the PCI scope.
Even if these systems only interact with specific services or ports on in-scope systems, they must be considered in scope to ensure that all applicable security controls are in place.
This includes making sure that no access path exists between out-of-scope systems and the CDE, as such pathways could potentially undermine the security of cardholder data.
Properly managing these connections is essential to maintain the integrity and security of the cardholder data environment.
How to Define Your PCI-DSS Scope
Creating a PCI-DSS scope involves a strategic approach to ensure comprehensive coverage for PCI-DSS certification requirements.
In December 2016, the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC) released supplemental guidance to help organizations with scoping and network segmentation.
This guidance emphasizes the importance of accurately assessing the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) and associated system components.
To establish the proper PCI scope, begin by evaluating the key activities outlined in the SSC’s supplemental guidance.
These activities will guide you in defining which systems and components fall within the scope of PCI DSS.
This initial step is crucial for setting up a robust PCI DSS assessment and ensuring that all relevant aspects of your environment are covered effectively.
Steps to Define and Manage Your PCI-DSS Scope
Identify Cardholder Data (CHD) Sources and Handling:
Determine where and how you collect cardholder data (CHD) across all payment channels.
Document each step of the process, from the point of receipt to disposal, destruction, or transfer. Understanding these data flows is crucial for managing and securing CHD effectively.
Record Data Storage, Processing, and Transfer Points:
Keep a detailed record of where account data is stored, processed, and transferred.
Track all CHD flows to pinpoint the systems, individuals, and technologies involved in handling this data.
This helps in mapping out the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) and understanding the interactions with CHD.
Identify All Relevant System Components and Personnel:
Not all processes, system components, and individuals interact with or influence the CDE.
This includes technical systems, commercial processes, and personnel who have access to or can affect the security of CHD.
These elements fall within the PCI scope due to their connection to the CDE or potential impact on data security.
Implement Controls to Minimize PCI Scope:
Reduce the PCI scope by controlling communication between the CDE and other in-scope systems that do not need to interact with or affect the CDE.
Implement measures to isolate the CDE from unnecessary interactions with people, processes, and technologies, thereby minimizing the risk and scope of PCI compliance.
Adhere to PCI DSS Requirements:
Identify and apply the PCI DSS requirements that are relevant to your in-scope processes, systems, and personnel.
Ensure that all applicable controls and standards are met to maintain compliance.
Regularly Verify Compliance and Security:
Establish ongoing processes to ensure that PCI DSS controls are consistently effective and that information remains secure.
Regular verification helps maintain compliance and addresses any potential gaps or issues.
Update Scope with Any Changes:
Whenever there are changes to your systems, processes, or personnel, make sure to accurately redefine the PCI scope.
Keeping the scope up-to-date is essential for ensuring that all relevant components are covered and compliance is maintained.
What is Excluded from PCI DSS Scope?
Out-of-scope systems are those components, individuals, software, or network areas that do not handle cardholder data (CHD) and are not involved in its processing, storage, or transmission.
These systems are also not allowed to affect the security of CHD or related components.
For a system to be classified as out-of-scope for PCI DSS, it must be effectively segregated from network areas that manage sensitive data.
This segregation should be either technological or physical, ensuring a robust and impenetrable partitioning from the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).
Specifically, out-of-scope systems must adhere to the following criteria:
- No Handling of Sensitive Data: These systems must not store, transmit, or process sensitive authentication data (SAD) or cardholder data (CHD).
- Network Isolation: They should not share a network segment, VLAN, or subnet with systems that manage SAD or CHD.
- Restricted Access: Out-of-scope components must be barred from accessing any part of the CDE and must not be able to authenticate or influence security controls for the CDE through in-scope systems.
- No Security Impact: They should not meet criteria that would classify them as security-impacting, connected-to, or in-scope systems.
Maintaining strict boundaries between out-of-scope systems and those handling CHD can help organizations enhance their security posture while avoiding stringent requirements.
This segregation ensures that out-of-scope systems do not introduce vulnerabilities or compromise the integrity of the payment data environment.
However, it is essential to ensure that out-of-scope systems still maintain high security standards.
While they may not be subject to PCI DSS requirements, they should be designed with strong protective measures to prevent any potential security risks.
Conclusion
Defining your PCI-DSS scope is essential for achieving compliance and protecting cardholder data.
Categorize your systems as “in-scope,” “out-of-scope,” or “connected-to” to manage compliance effectively.
In-scope systems must meet all PCI DSS requirements, while out-of-scope systems must be securely isolated to prevent unauthorized access.
Connected-to systems, though not directly handling cardholder data, must still have appropriate security controls.
Accurate scoping, effective controls, and regular compliance checks ensure a secure Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) and protect against data breaches.
Ready to Streamline Compliance?
Building a secure foundation for your startup is crucial, but navigating the complexities of achieving compliance can be a hassle, especially for small teams.
SecureSlate offers a simpler solution:
- Affordable: Expensive compliance software shouldn’t be the barrier. Our affordable plans start at just $99/month.
- Focus on Your Business, Not Paperwork: Automate tedious tasks and free up your team to focus on innovation and growth.
- Gain Confidence and Credibility: Our platform guides you through the process, ensuring you meet all essential requirements, and giving you peace of mind.
Get Started in Just 3 Minutes
It only takes 3 minutes to sign up and see how our platform can streamline your compliance journey.
