PCI DSS Basics Every Finance Leader Should Know
Written by Harry Prabandham
Curated by Rubric Financial
Last updated
1 / 5
What PCI DSS Is
- PCI DSS is a security standard that applies to any company that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data.
- It is enforced by the card brands and acquiring banks, not by a government agency.
- The goal is to protect payment card data and reduce the risk of breaches and fraud.
- Any SaaS company that accepts card payments is subject to it, regardless of size.
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About the author
Harry PrabandhamFounder & CEO
Founder and CEO of StartupCFO. MBA from Wharton, MS in Computer Science, and decades of experience building and advising venture-backed startups.
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