In the context of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Cardholder Data (CHD) refers to any personally identifiable information (PII) that is associated with payment card transactions. It includes the sensitive data elements that are typically found on a payment card and are subject to protection under the PCI DSS.
Key aspects of Cardholder Data (CHD) in the PCI DSS context include:
1. Primary Account Number (PAN): The PAN is the primary identifying element of a payment card. It is a unique numeric code typically embossed or printed on the card and serves as the card's account number. The PAN is considered highly sensitive and must be protected in accordance with the PCI DSS requirements.
2. Cardholder Name: The cardholder's full name, as printed on the payment card, is also considered part of the CHD. It is often used for verification purposes during payment card transactions.
3. Expiration Date: The expiration date of the payment card, which indicates the month and year until which the card is valid, is considered part of the CHD. It is used to confirm the card's validity during transaction authorization.
4. Service Code: The service code is a three-digit value encoded on the magnetic stripe of a payment card. It provides additional information about the card's usage limitations and requirements. The service code is also considered part of the CHD.
Protecting Cardholder Data (CHD) is a primary objective of the PCI DSS. Organizations that handle payment card transactions are required to implement stringent security measures to safeguard CHD from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure. The PCI DSS provides specific requirements for the protection of CHD, including encryption, secure storage, access controls, network segmentation, and regular monitoring.
It is important to note that the PCI DSS encourages organizations to minimize the storage and retention of CHD to reduce risk. Implementing data minimization practices and securely disposing of unnecessary CHD helps limit the potential impact of data breaches.
By understanding and properly handling Cardholder Data (CHD), organizations can ensure compliance with the PCI DSS and protect the privacy and security of individuals' payment card information.
