By March 2025, DMARC implementation will be mandatory in PCI Data Security Standards version 4.0. DMARC, recommended by the PCI SSC as a future-dated requirement, protects companies from email-based attacks like phishing. After the deadline, companies processing card data must implement DMARC for robust email authentication.

A DMARC policy of p=reject or p=quarantine is crucial to safeguard against spoofing attacks. This article takes you through the DMARC PCI DSS compliance regulations and why it’s important for organizations to enforce data protection.

What is the PCI SSC and PCI DSS Standard?

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.

What are the objectives of PCI DSS?

The PCI Data Security Standards is 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 provides a unified framework for compliance, ensuring consistent security measures across the payment card industry and promoting trust in the payment ecosystem.

Upcoming Requirements of PCI DSS v4.0 – What’s New?

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.

Here is a summary of the changes:

A customized approach toward addressing the cybersecurity concerns of different organizations
Enhanced testing procedures to ensure robust security
More focus on network security controls
More focus on strong cryptography to ensure cardholder’s data security
Removal of redundant requirements
Enforcing DMARC deployment

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

When is PCI DSS v4.0 coming into action?

The PCI DSS v4.0 will come into full action from March 2025, as the old version expires on March 2024. Organizations will be expected to migrate to new policies and requirements to stay compliant with the latest changes.

DMARC PCI DSS Best Practices and Recommendations

The PCI SSC recognizes the importance of DMARC as a best practice for email authentication and recommends its implementation to enhance security measures.

According to PCI DSS DMARC guidelines, businesses can fortify their email infrastructure and protect against domain spoofing attacks.

DMARC Implementation as a PCI DSS Requirement

In the upcoming PCI DSS version 4.0, PCI DSS DMARC implementation will be mandatory for businesses processing, storing, or transmitting card data.

By March 2025, organizations must ensure PCI DSS DMARC is implemented alongside complementary measures like SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to establish a comprehensive approach to email authentication.

Complementary Measures in Regard of the Latest Update

SPF and DKIM are additional protocols that complement DMARC in email authentication.

SPF allows domain owners to define authorized senders for their domain, while DKIM verifies the integrity of email messages using digital signatures.

Together, these protocols enhance email security and protect against email-based attacks.

Ensuring Comprehensive Email Authentication with DMARC

To effectively protect against same-domain spoofing attacks, organizations must establish a DMARC policy of “p=reject” or “p=quarantine” at a minimum.

This ensures that suspicious emails failing DMARC checks are either rejected or flagged for further scrutiny, reducing the risk of email-based attacks.

Related Read: What is Email Authentication?

Industries Affected by PCI DSS DMARC

Healthcare

The healthcare industry handles sensitive patient information, including payment card data for medical services.

Healthcare organizations that process credit or debit card payments are subject to PCI Data Security Standards.

DMARC requirements and must implement DMARC to enhance email security and protect against email-based attacks.

Retail

Retail businesses extensively process card payments, making them a prime target for data breaches.

Adhering to PCI Data Security Standards is crucial for retailers to protect customer payment information. Implementing DMARC adds an extra layer of security, ensuring secure email communication and mitigating the risk of domain spoofing attacks.

Hospitality

The hospitality industry handles a significant volume of credit and debit card transactions, including hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

Compliance with PCI Data Security Standards is essential for these establishments to safeguard customer payment data.

By implementing DMARC, hospitality businesses can protect their brand reputation and enhance email security against phishing attempts and spoofing.

Addressing Business Requirements and Customer Protection

Mandatory Compliance for Card Data Processors

Compliance with PCI DSS standards is necessary for businesses that process, store, or transmit any form of card data.

Implementing DMARC becomes critical to ensure comprehensive email authentication and protect against email spoofing and phishing attacks.

The Gap in DMARC Enforcement and Customer Safety

There is a significant gap in DMARC enforcement, with many organizations needing to fully implement DMARC or reach enforcement levels.

This poses a risk to customers, highlighting the importance of closing this gap to strengthen customer protection and security.

Importance of DMARC for Brand Protection and Consumer Trust

Effective DMARC implementation helps protect brands from spoofers and bad actors, preserving brand reputation and building customer trust.

By prioritizing DMARC enforcement, businesses demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding customer information and fostering secure payment experiences.

Conclusion

The PCI DSS serves as a crucial framework for protecting payment transactions, and the upcoming PCI DSS version 4.0 highlights the mandatory implementation of DMARC.

Organizations across industries must proactively embrace DMARC and complementary protocols like SPF and DKIM to fortify their email authentication and protect against same-domain spoofing attacks.

By implementing DMARC early, businesses can enhance their brand reputation, build customer trust, and mitigate the risk of email-based attacks. Prioritizing payment security and DMARC enforcement will create a safer and more secure digital payment environment.

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 PCI DSS: Now a mandatory requirement for version 4.0