Is "Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data" a requirement of PCI-DSS?

The statement that "Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data" is indeed a requirement of PCI-DSS, which stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This standard includes specific requirements for protecting cardholder data, and one of the primary measures is the installation and maintenance of a firewall configuration to safeguard this sensitive information. Firewalls play a crucial role in controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, thereby serving as a barrier against unauthorized access to cardholder data.

Focusing on the importance of firewalls, PCI-DSS emphasizes their role in facilitating compliance by establishing a secure environment where cardholder data can be processed and stored safely. This requirement applies universally to all entities that handle cardholder data, regardless of their size or type. Therefore, the correct understanding of the requirement aligns with the critical need for robust security measures, such as firewalls, to protect sensitive payment information.