Skip to content

Comparison between PCI-DSS and GDPR

Explore some of our latest AI related thought leadership and research

6clicks has been built for cybersecurity, risk and compliance professionals.

Learn more about our Hub & Spoke architecture, Hailey AI engine and explore the other content in our platform here

The Three Lines and how 6clicks can help

The Three Lines and how 6clicks can help

ISO 27001: Why do we need an ISMS?

ISO 27001: Why do we need an ISMS?

Breaking down an ISO 27001 policy

Breaking down an ISO 27001 policy

Demystifying the NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Demystifying the NIST Cybersecurity Framework

ISO 27001 vs NIST CSF compliance: What's the difference?

ISO 27001 vs NIST CSF compliance: What's the difference?

The buyers guide for MSPs and advisors considering 6clicks

The buyer’s guide for MSPs and advisors considering 6clicks


Overview

PCI-DSS and GDPR are two important data security standards that organizations must comply with. PCI-DSS is focused on protecting cardholder data and applies to any organization that processes, stores, or transmits payment card information. GDPR is a European Union regulation that applies to any organization that processes personal data of EU citizens. While PCI-DSS is focused on protecting cardholder data, GDPR is broader in scope and applies to all personal data. Both standards require organizations to have appropriate security controls in place to protect data and ensure compliance.



What is PCI-DSS?

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a set of security standards designed to ensure the safe handling of credit card and debit card information by organizations that process, store, or transmit cardholder data. The standard was developed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, which includes major credit card companies such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. The PCI-DSS is designed to protect cardholder data by requiring organizations to implement specific security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and secure passwords. The standard also requires organizations to regularly assess their security systems and to keep detailed records of any security incidents. Organizations that fail to comply with the PCI-DSS can face fines, increased transaction fees, and other penalties.


What is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union (EU) law that went into effect in May 2018. It is designed to protect the personal data of EU citizens and to give them control over how their data is used. It applies to any organization, including businesses and public bodies, that processes the personal data of EU citizens. It sets out requirements for how organizations must handle, store, and process personal data, including the rights of individuals to access, correct, and delete their data. It also requires organizations to be transparent about how they use personal data and to provide clear and concise information about their data processing activities. Organizations must also implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of personal data. Failure to comply with GDPR requirements can result in significant fines.


A Comparison Between PCI-DSS and GDPR

1. Both aim to protect sensitive data and ensure its security.

2. Both require organizations to take measures to protect data, such as encryption and authentication.

3. Both require organizations to document their security measures and processes.

4. Both require organizations to regularly monitor and audit their security measures.

5. Both require organizations to provide customers with clear information about their data security practices.

6. Both require organizations to report any data breaches or security incidents.

7. Both require organizations to take appropriate steps to address any security issues or data breaches.


The Key Differences Between PCI-DSS and GDPR

1. PCI-DSS is a set of security standards for organizations that handle credit card information, while GDPR is a set of data privacy regulations.

2. PCI-DSS focuses on the security of the data, while GDPR focuses on the privacy of the data.

3. PCI-DSS is enforced by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, while GDPR is enforced by the European Union.

4. PCI-DSS requires organizations to maintain a secure environment for their customers' payment data, while GDPR requires organizations to protect the privacy of individuals' personal data.

5. PCI-DSS requires organizations to implement specific technical and operational controls to protect cardholder data, while GDPR requires organizations to implement privacy by design and data protection by default.