Data protection when processing payments, especially when using online payment methods, has become an acute issue in recent years when electronic payments have rapidly gained momentum. To prevent fraud associated with card data theft, the largest card networks formed the PCI Security Standards Council and developed the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) — a set of security measures that provide the complete protection of card details and other sensitive data engaged in financial transactions. A PCI DSS-compliant payment gateway or PCI-compliant payment gateway ensures that all transactions are processed according to these strict standards. Any organisation that accepts, processes, transmits, or stores cardholder payment data must comply with PCI DSS requirements. This includes banks, merchants, payment processors, payment service providers, and other companies involved in online payment processing. The institutions obliged to validate compliance include not only PCI-compliant payment processors and payment systems but also businesses that rely on a secure payment gateway compliance strategy to protect their customers.
Development and improvement of secure network infrastructure
Protection of cardholder data with encryption and other security methods
Monitoring the process of updating system components and anti-virus software
Controlling and differentiating access to sensitive information
Regular testing and monitoring of system security
Establishing a strong information security policy
These requirements ensure that a PCI DSS payment gateway protects sensitive data at every stage of payment processing. Businesses must maintain PCI compliance continuously — both through internal processes and by working with trusted PCI-compliant payment service providers. The combination of processes, people, and technologies used to maintain compliance is known as the PCI Scope. Defining this scope accurately is essential for a proper PCI DSS assessment and for achieving full PCI compliance using a payment gateway.
The rise of e-commerce and one-click online payments has brought convenience but also increased the risk of data breaches and fraud. PCI DSS-compliant payment gateways play a critical role in protecting customers’ sensitive data. Integrating a PCI-compliant payment solution helps merchants secure the entire payment journey — from entering card details on the checkout page to completing the transaction. Without PCI compliance, businesses risk data leaks, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties.
A PCI DSS standard is universally applicable to payment service providers, internet acquiring companies, and payment systems. The same goes for payment gateways which are directly responsible for protecting transactions details from the moment they are entered on the payment page and until the end of processing. Therefore, every merchant who values their reputation will ensure the maximum security of their customers' confidential card data and choose a payment gateway provider that has validated compliance with PCI DSS.
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The PCI standard puts forward rather rigorous requirements for the security of any companies in which payment information is transmitted, processed or stored. Moreover, even if an organisation has already passed certification, an annual compliance check is still carried out. Such audits help determine if the business is complying with the security requirements in good faith or has received PCI DSS certification just for show. In case of violations, the company will have to pay a substantial sum of money as a fine.
Level 1: more than 6 million transactions annually
Level 2: from 1 million to 6 million transactions per year
Level 3: from 20 thousand to 1 million transactions per year
Level 4: up to 20 thousand transactions annually
It’s noteworthy that only an independent auditor — Qualified Security Assessors (QSA) carry out the PCI DSS level 1 compliance validation. The certification procedure for this PCI DSS compliance level includes an extensive audit of the company's information infrastructure, the development of recommendations and regulatory documents necessary to comply with the standard, as well as consulting support during implementation. To confirm their compliance with other PCI levels, a business will need to fill out the SAQ self-assessment sheet or perform an internal ISA audit.
The PCI Security Standards Council obliges all banks, merchants, payment systems, payment processors, and other institutions involved in processing to meet PCI DSS requirements. Without it, the organisation cannot be considered reliable, and you cannot trust it with your personal data. For e-commerce merchants, a PCI DSS-compliant payment gateway functions like a secure digital POS terminal. It protects transactions with advanced encryption, tokenisation, and other security measures. By integrating PCI-compliant payment gateways, merchants demonstrate PCI compliance for payment processing, protect customers from fraud, and build trust in their services.
Security should be a top priority for both cardholders and merchants when it comes to transferring or storing sensitive debit or credit card data. Corefy operates at the highest level of PCI DSS certification, offering a PCI-compliant payment platform for businesses that need reliable and secure payment gateway compliance. With Corefy, you gain access to a fully protected PCI DSS-certified payment gateway, eliminating the need to manage PCI compliance on your own. Our team continuously monitors transactions to prevent fraud, identity theft, and data breaches. By entrusting your PCI-compliant payment processing to Corefy, you ensure the best possible protection for your customers’ sensitive data and deliver a safe, seamless payment experience.
