DMARC implementation is recommended as a “good practice” under PCI DSS version 4.0, complementing other security measures as part of a comprehensive approach to email protection and fraud prevention. This initiative by the Payment Card Industry aims to strengthen payment security for all entities handling, storing, or processing cardholder data. DMARC plays a pivotal role in helping companies prevent email-based attacks like phishing and spoofing, protecting sensitive information exchanged via email.

While DMARC, in conjunction with other precautions, is described as an example of good practices under the current version of the PCI DSS, it is not mandated or otherwise required by the PCI DSS. However, adopting DMARC as part of your email security strategy can significantly enhance domain protection, prevent phishing attacks, and ensure better email deliverability—key aspects of a robust cybersecurity framework that can complement your PCI DSS compliance efforts.

Key Takeaways

The PCI DSS v4.0 recommends DMARC implementation for organizations handling or processing card payments
DMARC helps organizations safeguard against phishing and email spoofing attacks.
PCI DSS mentions implementing DMARC, SPF, and DKIM alongside other anti-phishing controls for robust email security.
Achieving compliance with PCI DSS v4.0 is essential for protecting cardholder data and ensuring secure payment transactions.
Early DMARC enforcement can build trust, enhance email deliverability, and reduce email-based security risks.

Key Requirements for PCI DSS 4.0 Compliance (Effective 2025)

PCI DSS v4.0 replaces PCI DSS version 3.2.1 to combat the rising concern of cybersecurity threats orchestrated by sophisticated technologies. PCI DSS v4.0 is better equipped to handle the latest technological developments in cyber threats and address them adequately.

Key changes include:

Strengthened Email Security: PCI DSS v4.0 encourages organizations handling card payments to implement DMARC to enhance email security and reduce the risks of email spoofing and data breaches.
Enhanced Access Controls: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for all access, alongside stronger password policies (minimum length increased from 7 to 12 characters) and updated account lockout rules (after 10 failed login attempts instead of 6).
Annual Technology Reviews: Hardware and software must be reviewed at least once a year to stay ahead of vulnerabilities.
Proactive Risk Management: Organizations must promptly address security control failures and adopt tailored approaches to unique cybersecurity challenges.
Stronger Data and Network Security: Focus on robust encryption, tighter access permissions, and improved network security measures to protect cardholder data.
Streamlined Compliance: Simplification through the removal of outdated requirements and enhanced testing procedures to ensure comprehensive security.

Read the full list of changes: PCI DSS summary of changes

Who Are Affected?

The PCI DSS recommendation for DMARC will benefit any entity storing, processing, or transmitting cardholder data/payment card information/sensitive authentication data. This includes organizations, individuals, system components, and service providers.

Affected entities include:

Any organization, big or small, that handles or processes card payments.
Any company or service provider that processes, acquires, issues, or accepts cardholder data.
System components, people, and processes that store, process, or transmit cardholder data (CHD) and/or sensitive authentication data (SAD).
System components with unrestricted connectivity to those handling CHD/SAD, even if they don’t store, process, or transmit it themselves.

Affected industries include:

E-commerce businesses
Financial Institutions
Retailers
Healthcare
Hospitality
Third-party service providers and vendors
Any firm, enterprise, or company processing card payments

Implementing DMARC for PCI DSS Compliance with PowerDMARC

DMARC, while not a sole requirement, complements PCI DSS compliance efforts. Implementing DMARC can be streamlined with PowerDMARC’s suite of hosted email authentication solutions. Here’s how:

Hosted DMARC Services: PowerDMARC’s hosted services help you meet PCI DSS version 4 compliance through easy and automated DMARC, SPF, and DKIM implementation.
Comprehensive DMARC Reporting & Monitoring: PowerDMARC provides detailed, simplified DMARC aggregate and forensic reports. This enables you to audit your email channels and maintain an evidence-based approach to compliance.
Simplified Compliance Management: With automated processes and an easy-to-navigate dashboard, PowerDMARC helps you manage and document your PCI DSS compliance efforts efficiently, saving time and resources.

Consequences for Not Implementing DMARC

While PCI DSS does not impose direct penalties for not implementing DMARC, organizations may face significant cybersecurity risks.

Failure to implement DMARC may result in:

Increased risk of cyber attacks: Failure to implement DMARC leaves your domain name vulnerable to spoofing, phishing, and impersonation.
Poor email deliverability: Without authentication, your email deliverability may take a hit, leading to increased email bounce rates.
Damaged reputation: Increased risk of phishing attacks may damage your brand reputation and reduce customer trust.

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Understanding PCI DSS and PCI SSC

PCI SSC is an acronym for Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council and is a global organization that establishes and maintains the PCI Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

It combines major card networks, including Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and Visa, to develop and promote the security standards necessary to protect payment card transactions.

Why PCI DSS Compliance is Essential for Businesses

The PCI Data Security Standards are a comprehensive set of security standards that aim to ensure the protection of cardholders’ data during payment card transactions.

Protecting cardholders’ data: The PCI DSS’s primary goal is to safeguard cardholders’ sensitive information during payment card transactions, preventing unauthorized access or theft.
Establishing secure payment card environments: The standard outlines requirements for merchants to establish and maintain secure payment card environments, including secure network infrastructure, access controls, and encryption.
Implementing appropriate safeguards: PCI DSS mandates specific security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and secure coding practices to protect cardholder data.
Maintaining ongoing security practices: The PCI DSS emphasizes the importance of continuously monitoring and maintaining security measures, including regular vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and security awareness training for employees.
Ensuring compliance across the payment card industry: The PCI Data Security Standards provide a unified framework for compliance, ensuring consistent security measures across the payment card industry and promoting trust in the payment ecosystem.

DMARC for PCI DSS: Why It Matters

DMARC, SPF, and DKIM are email authentication protocols that help protect your domain and emails against spoofing, phishing, and impersonation attacks. These protocols help distinguish between legitimate and fake emails being sent from your domain, ensuring unauthorized sources cannot forge your domain name. To effectively protect against same-domain spoofing attacks, organizations must establish a DMARC policy of “p=reject” or “p=quarantine” at a minimum.

The PCI SSC includes DMARC implementation as a part of their antispam and anti-phishing efforts. DMARC offers several benefits to organizations implementing it, including:

Improved email deliverability
Minimized email fraud and domain name impersonation
Reduced spam complaints and email bounces
Enhanced brand reputation, credibility, and trust
Compliance with global and local government regulations

How to Comply with PCI DSS Requirements and Recommendations

To stay compliant with PCI DSS recommendations, companies can:

Implement DMARC, SPF, and DKIM alongside related anti-phishing technologies.
Move to an enforced DMARC policy (like p=reject) to start preventing email-based cyber attacks.
Implement anti-malware and URL protection solutions to stop malspam campaigns from reaching your employees.
Make your entire team go through security awareness training at least once a month to stay on top latest phishing techniques.

Summing Up

The PCI DSS serves as a crucial framework for protecting payment transactions. The upcoming PCI DSS version 4.0 highlights the importance of email security in protecting sensitive payment card data. Organizations across industries are advised to proactively embrace DMARC, complementary protocols like SPF and DKIM, or similar anti-phishing controls to fortify their defenses against data breaches.

By implementing DMARC early, businesses can also enhance their brand reputation, build customer trust, and improve email deliverability. Prioritizing payment security and DMARC enforcement will promote a safer digital payment environment worldwide.

Sign up today to enhance your email security with PowerDMARC and strengthen your compliance efforts with PCI DSS best practices!

PCI DSS V4.0 FAQs

Which PCI Security Requirement Relates to the Physical Protection of Banks’ Customer Data?

One significant PCI security requirement related to the physical protection of banks’ customer data is addressed within the standard. This requirement focuses on ensuring the implementation of appropriate measures to secure physical access to areas where customer data is stored or processed. Banks can effectively safeguard customer information from unauthorized physical access by adhering to this requirement.

Why are the v4.0 requirements termed as future-dated?

The PCI SSC has announced the new requirements for v4.0 to be future-dated since they would be offering organizations an additional year (post-2024) after the retirement of the older DSS version to adhere to the compliance requirements.

What are the other future-dated requirements for PCI DSS Compliance?

The other future-dated requirements for v4.0 compliance are as follows:

Prioritizing encryption, updating security keys, and ensuring valid certificates that aren’t expired
Monitoring removable media like data storage devices and pen drives
Prioritizing Web and Application Security
Prioritizing Password Security
Periodic User Access Review

About
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Ahona Rudra

Domain & Email Security Expert at PowerDMARC

Ahona is the Marketing Manager at PowerDMARC, with 5+ years of experience in writing about cybersecurity topics, specializing in domain and email security. Ahona holds a post-graduation degree in Journalism and Communications, solidifying her career in the security sector since 2019.

DMARC for PCI DSS: Version 4.0 Requirements & Recommendations