As we work through the requirements of PCI DSS, we’ve run into several calls for securing data against “unauthorized users.” Operationally, this makes sense–cardholder data should be protected against use or viewing by people that don’t have a reason to do so. However, any effective IT security system must have a method to ensure that… Read More
Software, whether a locale installation or a web application, carries the risk of attack. While phishing and other social engineering attacks are some of the most common forms of a system breach, hackers still go for open vulnerabilities in software, whether due to bugs or misconfigured settings. That’s why the sixth requirement of the PCI… Read More
One of the cornerstones of cybersecurity has been the protection of software. These applications have been installed on local machines or workstations for most of the computing history. Hackers would use different approaches to gain access to these machines using corrupted software or other means. In modern times, the proliferation of web applications and Software-as-a-Service… Read More
Malware is an ever-present, if sometimes forgotten, threat to our IT systems. We tend to think that anti-malware and other security measures have effectively blocked out the threats of old worms and viruses. The real threat is against network and application security. However, hackers always look to launch malware into compromised systems to listen, learn,… Read More
In the earliest days of what could be considered cybersecurity, the primary threats were malicious programs that would operate against the wishes of the machine and its operator. These programs, referred to as viruses, served as the progenitors of what we generally refer to in modern parlance as malicious software or “malware.” Because the long… Read More
Data encryption is a crucial part of cybersecurity. The standard data states (at rest, in transit, and use) all present unique and challenging vulnerabilities that can expose that data to unauthorized parties. No vulnerability is more apparent than having that data stolen and viewed by people who shouldn’t be looking. That’s where in-transit encryption comes… Read More
As we move through the requirements of PCI DSS 4.0, we’ve reached the point where the standard specifies what it means to protect data as it moves through and outside of private and public networks. Encryption seems like a no-brainer, but in many cases, organizations have no idea how to manage their encryption approach properly.… Read More
While having only 12 requirements might make PCI DSS seem like a simple standard, each requirement is incredibly important and, if you aren’t paying attention, can specify practices you aren’t implementing. In the case of the third requirement, this could mean that you’re not actually protecting the most critical data that is in your possession–that… Read More
It’s crucial that any company handling consumer cardholder information, including card numbers, protect that information from any and every unauthorized user. The PCI Security Standards Council has determined that to promote security and usability, it’s not enough to secure a system perimeter and encrypt data. Instead, companies have to approach data obfuscation through a series… Read More
Part of managing system compliance is ensuring that each system meets a minimum standard. Beyond this relatively straightforward component of the process, almost every compliance process includes other ongoing tasks, including risk assessment and configuration management. What is configuration management, exactly? These compliance frameworks will often refer to it, but implementing a management policy is… Read More
The public and private sectors have been increasingly under assault by hackers looking to take information–whether for espionage, blackmail, or profit. And while some of the past few years’ high-profile government and industrial attacks have been at the center of many cybersecurity stories, the reality is that hacks in the retail and consumer spaces have… Read More
PCI DSS compliance is verifying that your systems, those that handle personal and cardholder information, meet all the expectations of the 12 requirements of the standard. These requirements describe security and privacy controls to protect against modern threats and vulnerabilities and call for both attention to implementing controls and maintaining long-term best practices. The best… Read More
It’s not always the case that software development companies worry about quality assurance to such a degree that they consider it a matter of compliance. And yet, enterprises building critical software in heavily regulated environments or industries understand very well that quality assurance is part of the business. This is why the International Organization for… Read More
As we’ve been writing, PCI DSS 4.0 is upon us. We’ve discussed some of the broader changes around the newer versions, but we have yet to dig deeper into the timeline for version 4.0. This article will discuss the preliminary steps you can take to prepare for the update. With a focus on understanding your… Read More
The good news? PCI DSS 4.0 is out, but the adoption schedule for the new standard is quite generous. The better news? The PCI Security Council has decided to implement a tiered approach to adoption. The first will finalize when the previous version (3.2.1) is officially retired in 2024. The second, known as the “future… Read More
Ransomware is one of the most significant security threats and perhaps one of the most recognizable threats in modern cybersecurity. These attacks cost businesses millions of dollars and can result in the loss of massive volumes of mission-critical information that supports business operations, national infrastructure, or government agencies. As part of the Cybersecurity Framework, the National… Read More
Blockchain, blockchain, blockchain. It seems like you can’t throw a rock without hitting someone discussing the potential for blockchain technology. And, for the most part, this is driven by consumer interest in technologies and the potential for innovation in the web 3.0 world we live in. While the consumer market is having a so-so engagement… Read More
A significant part of any security framework is the assessment. Different frameworks require different types of assessments, from self-managed diagnostics to extensive and annual third-party audits. PCI DSS is no different, requiring annual compliance validation for all relevant systems. The nature of these assessments may vary depending on the company and are beyond the scope… Read More
With the new PCI DSS 4.0 updates now public, payment processors and security experts are examining some of the latest changes. One of the changes we’ve noticed (and one that will most likely make a massive difference for assessments) is the inclusion of customized approaches to PCI DSS assessment. This evolution of compensating controls in… Read More
The newest version of PCI DSS (4.0) is out, and companies are asking about the new requirements. Some of these requirements apply to PCI DSS encryption, and while there are changes, many of the standards of 3.2.1 are still the lay of the land. Learn more about PCI DSS encryption and how it’s shifting in… Read More
On March 31, 2022, the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council released version 4.0 of the Data Security Standard (DSS), updating what has been a long-running standard that needed some refreshing based on the newest technologies on the market. The increased focus on eCommerce and reliance on mobile devices has introduced several major security… Read More
Companies attempting to navigate the complex world of private and public cybersecurity might get confused about what they should focus on. The truth is that you can’t adopt them all… but you can focus on the regulations that directly impact how you do business. Here, we’ll discuss two of the most prevalent security frameworks–FedRAMP and… Read More
We’ve covered several areas regarding data privacy and security. These discussions have covered private security frameworks, government-enforced regulations, and guidelines shoring up IT security for federal and national defense agencies and contractors. Another area of security and data privacy is law enforcement. It’s perhaps unsurprising that law enforcement and other national security agencies would handle… Read More
We’ve covered several areas regarding data privacy and security. These discussions have covered private security frameworks, government-enforced regulations, and guidelines shoring up IT security for federal and national defense agencies and contractors. Another area of security and data privacy is law enforcement. Unsurprisingly, law enforcement and other national security agencies would handle private information, and… Read More