PCI DSS: Securing Data, Systems, and Applications from Pluralsight

Requirements 3 to 6 of PCI DSS version 3.2.1 are to protect cardholder data and maintain a vulnerability management program. You'll understand what each requirement asks for and discover practical guidance from experienced PCI assessors.

The key to achieving PCI DSS compliance is a thorough knowledge of each of the sub-requirements and how they will be assessed. In this course, PCI DSS: Securing Data, Systems, and Applications, you’ll learn how to interpret PCI DSS requirements 3 through 6 and apply them to your organization. First, you’ll learn how PCI DSS wants stored cardholder data to be protected. Next, you’ll explore the requirement to encrypt cardholder data in transit and the requirement to protect systems against malware. Then, you’ll take a look at the largest requirement in PCI DSS which is to develop and maintain secure systems and applications. Finally, you’ll discover practical insights about all four requirements from experienced PCI assessors. When you’ve finished with this course, you'll have the skills and knowledge to apply PCI DSS requirements 3 through 6 to an organization’s environment and to determine whether it is compliant with the demands of the standard.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Requirement 3: Storage of Cardholder Data

Requirement 4: Encryption of Transmitted Cardholder Data

Requirement 5: Anti-virus and Anti-malware

Requirement 6: Vulnerability Management

Requirement 6 Continued: Change Control in the CDE

Requirement 6 Continued: Security in Software Development

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills and knowledge core to an information security role

Teaches knowledge that is highly relevant to PCI DSS compliance

Provides practical guidance from experienced PCI assessors

Taught by instructors recognized for their work in PCI compliance

Examines current PCI DSS requirements 3 through 6

Course content is multi-modal including videos, readings, and discussions

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PCI DSS: Securing Data, Systems, and Applications with these activities:

Review PCI DSS Terms

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PCI DSS defines the rules for storing, transmitting, and protecting cardholder data. Reviewing terms ensures a common foundation before taking the course.

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Review the Introduction to PCI DSS, including definitions
Review the glossary of PCI DSS terms

PCI DSS 3.2.1 Tutorial

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Become familiar with the latest version of PCI DSS, including its major requirements and how to meet them.

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Explore the official PCI DSS website
Review industry blogs and articles on PCI DSS 3.2.1
Take an online tutorial or course on PCI DSS 3.2.1

PCI DSS Resources Collection

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Gather and organize a collection of valuable resources on PCI DSS to support your ongoing learning and reference needs.

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Bookmark relevant websites and blogs
Search for articles, whitepapers, and case studies on PCI DSS
Explore online forums and discussion groups for PCI DSS professionals
Subscribe to newsletters and email alerts for updates on PCI DSS

11 other activities

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PCI DSS Study Group

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Engage with peers to discuss PCI DSS concepts, share experiences, and clarify any areas of uncertainty.

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Find a study partner or group
Establish a regular meeting schedule
Prepare discussion topics and questions
Actively participate in discussions and share insights

Discuss Best Practices for PCI DSS Compliance

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Sharing knowledge and experiences with peers can enhance understanding and provide valuable insights for PCI DSS compliance.

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Join or start a study group or discussion forum focused on PCI DSS
Participate in discussions and share your knowledge and experiences
Learn from others' best practices and experiences

Explore Encryption Standards

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Requirement 4 of PCI DSS requires encryption of cardholder data in transit. Exploring encryption standards will aid in understanding the topic.

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Review the different types of encryption algorithms, such as AES, 3DES, and RSA
Research and compare the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm
Identify the most appropriate encryption algorithm for your organization

Validate input and output type from algorithms

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Reinforce your understanding of PCI DSS requirements 3 to 6 by practicing input and output validation techniques.

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Create a list of common input validation rules for PCI DSS
Write code to implement these rules
Create a list of common output validation rules for PCI DSS
Write code to implement these rules
Test your code on a variety of input and output data

PCI DSS Compliance Checklist

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Create a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance checklist to help you assess the security of your organization's systems and data.

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Review the PCI DSS requirements
Create a list of all the systems and data that are subject to PCI DSS
Identify the controls that are required to comply with each requirement
Create a checklist that includes all of the controls
Use the checklist to assess the security of your organization's systems and data

PCI DSS Assessment Practice

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Practice assessments can help identify areas for improvement and ensure readiness for an actual assessment.

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Obtain sample PCI DSS assessment questionnaires
Conduct self-assessments using the questionnaires
Identify areas for improvement and develop remediation plans

PCI DSS Assessment Exercises

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Practice conducting PCI DSS assessments to identify vulnerabilities and improve your organization's security posture.

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Gather necessary documentation and resources
Review and analyze the organization's network and systems
Identify and document potential vulnerabilities
Develop and implement a remediation plan
Produce a comprehensive assessment report

PCI DSS Vulnerability Management Exercise

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Deepen your understanding of PCI DSS vulnerability management requirements by completing this hands-on exercise.

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Set up a vulnerability scanner
Scan a system for vulnerabilities
Prioritize and remediate the vulnerabilities
Write a report on the vulnerability management process

Develop a Vulnerability Management Plan

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Requirement 6 of PCI DSS involves developing a vulnerability management program. Creating a plan will help you organize your approach to this requirement.

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Gather information about your organization's network and systems
Identify and prioritize vulnerabilities
Develop a plan to remediate or mitigate vulnerabilities
Implement and monitor your vulnerability management plan

PCI DSS Compliance Implementation Project

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Develop and implement a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance program for a real-world organization, reinforcing your understanding of the requirements and best practices.

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Define the project scope and objectives
Conduct a risk assessment
Develop and implement security controls
Monitor and maintain compliance
Conduct regular audits and reviews

Implement a PCI DSS Compliance Program

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The ultimate goal of PCI DSS is compliance. Implementing a compliance program will provide a holistic approach to meeting the requirements.

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Develop a PCI DSS Compliance Policy
Implement necessary technical controls
Establish a regular monitoring and reporting process
Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests
Train employees on PCI DSS requirements

Career center

Learners who complete PCI DSS: Securing Data, Systems, and Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Security Analyst

Security Analysts help protect data and systems of companies and organizations of all sizes. They identify and resolve security issues, and may also be involved with the creation of security policies and procedures. This course aligns with the PCI DSS requirements that these professionals must be familiar with. Knowledge of these requirements can help one to land a position in this field, as well as advance within it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst monitors and protects an organization's computer networks and systems. They are responsible for safeguarding sensitive data, such as financial information and customer records, from unauthorized access or theft. As PCI DSS requirements 3 through 6 focus on protecting cardholder data and maintaining a vulnerability management program, this course provides a foundation of the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers implement and manage security controls to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access. PCI DSS requirements are foundational to the work of a Cybersecurity Engineer, and completing this course can help one to develop skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains security systems to protect an organization's data and network from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. PCI DSS requirements factor heavily into the work of the Security Engineer, and this course can help one to develop skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this career.

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Vulnerability Manager

Vulnerability Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing and remediating vulnerabilities in an organization's systems and networks. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. This course on PCI DSS requirements 3 through 6 can aid a Vulnerability Manager in developing the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vulnerability Manager

Software Security Engineer

Software Security Engineers work to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in software applications. They may also be involved in the design and implementation of security features. This course can help a Software Security Engineer to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Security Engineer

Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security solutions for an organization's IT systems and networks. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. This course on PCI DSS requirements 3 through 6 can help a Security Architect to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate an organization's IT systems and controls to ensure that they are aligned with the organization's security policies and procedures. They may also be involved in the development and implementation of security controls. This course can aid an IT Auditor in developing the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in this role.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security systems to protect an organization's networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. PCI DSS requirements 3 through 6 are essential to the work of a Network Security Engineer, and this course can aid one in developing skills and knowledge needed to be effective in this role.

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Security Administrator

Security Administrators manage and maintain the security of an organization's computer systems and networks. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. As PCI DSS requirements are essential to a Security Administrator's day-to-day work, this course can help one to develop skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role.

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Compliance Analyst

Compliance Analysts ensure that an organization's IT systems and controls are compliant with applicable laws and regulations. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing compliance policies and procedures. This course may be useful to a Compliance Analyst in developing the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in this role.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their IT systems and networks from security threats. They may also be involved in the development and implementation of security solutions. This course may be useful to a Security Consultant in developing the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in this role.

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Information Security Officer

An Information Security Officer is responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security program. They may also be responsible for overseeing the organization's compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This course may be helpful to an Information Security Officer in developing the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in this role.

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IT Risk Manager

IT Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage IT risks. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing risk management policies and procedures. This course may be useful to an IT Risk Manager in developing the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Risk Manager

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's IT systems and networks. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing IT policies and procedures. This course may be useful to an IT Manager in developing the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager