Welcome back to our ongoing series on the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). We’ve been journeying through the various requirements of this critical security standard, and today, we’re moving forward to explore Requirement 5 of PCI DSS v4.0. So, let’s get started! To learn more about the other requirements of PCI DSS, check out our comprehensive guide on the “12 requirements of PCI DSS.”
Understanding Requirement 5 of PCI DSS in Short:
Requirement 5: Safeguard All Systems and Networks Against Malicious Software
Subsections:
- 5.1 Defined and understood processes and mechanisms are in place to safeguard all systems and networks from malicious software.
- 5.2 The prevention, detection, and addressing of malicious software (malware) is ensured.
- 5.3 Anti-malware processes and mechanisms are active, regularly maintained, and monitored.
- 5.4 Users are protected against phishing attacks through anti-phishing mechanisms.
In-depth Look:
Malicious software, or malware, refers to any software or firmware that is designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner’s informed consent. Its intent is to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the owner’s data, applications, or the operating system itself. This includes viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, keyloggers, rootkits, and malicious code, scripts, and links.
Malware can infiltrate the network through various business-approved activities. This includes employee e-mail (for instance, via phishing), internet usage, mobile computers, and storage devices, leading to the exploitation of system vulnerabilities.
Employing anti-malware solutions that address all types of malwares is crucial in safeguarding systems from both current and evolving malware threats.
Now, let’s examine the changes and new requirements introduced in PCI DSS v4.0, compared to PCI DSS v3.2.1.
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Also Read : PCI DSS Requirement 4
Conclusion:
This blog post details the changes to Requirement 5 from PCI DSS v3.2.1 to v4.0. We strive for accuracy in representing the requirements and testing procedures. If you’re interested in other requirements, see our previous posts.
Adhering to Requirement 5 is crucial for maintaining a secure network by protecting against malware and keeping anti-virus software up to date. This safeguards sensitive data and builds customer trust.
Note this post serves as a general guide, not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
VISTA InfoSec has over 30 years of cybersecurity and data privacy expertise. Our upcoming post will cover Requirement 6. We appreciate your continued readership.
Lets us help you
Need help navigating PCI DSS v4.0? We have been active in the PCI DSS space since 2008 and even certify payment brand. Our PCI DSS services provide assurance on card security controls, with offerings for both product platform and backend services attestation.
We have a dedicated team of auditors and a separate team for consulting/advisory assignments to even help our esteemed clients to define processes and achieve compliance.
We have completed multiple PCI DSS 4.0 certifications too right from scoping to Readiness Assessment, Advisory and Final Certification.
We are vendor neutral and have a strict no-outsourcing policy. We can also assist you with the technical assessments needed for PCI DSS Compliance – Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing, Network Segmentation Testing, Network Architecture Review, Firewall Assessment, Secure Configuration Assessment, Web and Mobile Application Security Assessment, and Secure Code Review.
You can also watch the video on PCI DSS Requirement 5
