# PCI DSS policy essentials: requirements, examples & templates

PCI compliance starts with a solid policy. In this guide, experts share how to write a PCI DSS policy to protect cardholder data and meet the v4.0.1 PCI DSS standards. Explore key sections, download a free template, and customize your policies to meet the latest security standards.

## What is a PCI compliance policy?
A PCI compliance policy outlines a company’s approach to credit card data security. To achieve PCI compliance, you must meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The policy is your game plan.

“A PCI policy is the right place to start for any organization that wants to establish security policies related to credit card data,” says [Stephen Ferrell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrellcisacrisc/), CISA CRISC, and Chief Strategy Officer at Strike Graph.

Any organization that handles or stores credit card data falls into one of the [four levels of PCI DSS compliance](https://www.strikegraph.com/blog/the-4-pci-standards-video). These organizations typically create a PCI DSS policy to address the 12 core requirements they must meet under the [PCI DSS v4.0.1, the latest PCI DSS standard](https://www.strikegraph.com/blog/pci-dss-v4).

“A PCI DSS policy speaks directly to PCI requirements,” says [Blazej Jedras](https://www.linkedin.com/in/blazejjedras/), Head of IT Governance at [Compliance Path](https://www.compliancepath.com/), an Ideagen Software Company. Jedras emphasizes that while PCI DSS does not mandate a PCI policy, adopting one is a best practice for any reputable organization.

A PCI policy doesn't usually delve into all the details of your compliance approach. Instead, companies also maintain technical policies that focus on implementing security controls and addressing specific technical factors.

According to [Michelle Strickler](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mstrickler1/), Information Security and Data Privacy Compliance Strategist at Strike Graph, “A PCI policy is an industry-standard best practice from which procedures and work instructions can evolve.”

**Key takeaways:**
- A PCI policy outlines how an organization plans to meet PCI DSS standards.
- A PCI policy focuses solely on PCI DSS and handling cardholder data, unlike an information security policy, which covers broader security approaches.
- Organizations typically base their PCI policies on the 12 core PCI requirements.
- Customize your PCI policy by incorporating industry-specific terms and relevant security considerations.
- Begin drafting a PCI DSS policy by using a robust PCI policy template and tailor it to your organization with expert guidance.

## Required sections in a PCI DSS policy
A PCI DSS policy must address the 12 core requirements, ranging from a firewall to security testing. It also must have a section on the organization’s PCI scope, a list of important company roles and responsibilities, and a basic overview.

### Summary of major sections:
- **Purpose**: Describes the purpose of the PCI policy.
- **Scope**: Describes the people affected by the policy including employees, contractors, external service providers, and vendors.
- **Roles & responsibilities**: Defines roles related to maintaining the cardholder data environment (CDE).
- **Policy reviews and maintenance**: States how often the policy will be updated.
- **PCI DSS Standard requirements**: Broadly outlines how your organization will comply with each of the 12 PCI DSS requirements.

## Key sections to include in your policy:
- **Secure networks and systems:** Defines a policy for securing network configurations, including firewall settings and system parameters.
- **Protect cardholder data:** Summarizes data protection and retention policies.
- **Vulnerability management in PCI DSS:** Outlines policies to identify, protect against, and manage vulnerabilities in the CDE.
- **Access management and access controls:** Defines policies to control CDE access and outlines ways to ensure that only those with authorization can access sensitive information.
- **Network monitoring and testing:** Defines policies to continuously monitor and test network resources against threats.

## Additional sections for a PCI DSS policy
Additional sections can include definitions and acronyms, communication plans, security awareness training, and incident response plans.

## PCI DSS policy template
Strike Graph’s PCI DSS Policy template is a customizable framework for a robust PCI policy. It’s the ideal starting point for organizations that need an effective policy to protect cardholder data and comply with PCI DSS.

![Blog Graphic [PCI DSS starter-kit-graphic]](https://www.strikegraph.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/Blog%20Graphic%20%5BPCI%20DSS%20starter-kit-graphic%5D.webp?width=403&height=433&name=Blog%20Graphic%20%5BPCI%20DSS%20starter-kit-graphic%5D.webp)

[Download Strike Graph’s PCI DSS Policy Template](https://www.strikegraph.com/hubfs/Downloadable%20Assets/Strike%20Graph_PCI%20DSS%20Starter%20Kit.pdf) now to create your PCI policy and safeguard cardholder data with confidence.