What does PCI-DSS stand for?

PCI-DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. This set of security standards is designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. The standards were created to protect cardholders from data theft and fraud.

The term "Payment Card Industry" refers to the collaborative effort among major credit card brands to enhance security protocols across the entire payment ecosystem. "Data Security Standards" indicates a focus on various practices and safeguards that businesses must implement to protect sensitive cardholder data. Understanding this acronym is crucial for professionals working in payment processing, e-commerce, and cybersecurity, as compliance with PCI-DSS is not only mandatory but also vital for maintaining trust with customers and safeguarding against data breaches.