PCI DSS
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. It was established by major credit card brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB) to protect cardholder data and reduce credit card fraud. The standard includes requirements for security management, policies, procedures, network architecture, software design, and other critical protective measures.
Developers should learn PCI DSS when building or maintaining applications that handle payment card data, such as e-commerce platforms, payment gateways, or financial systems, to ensure compliance and avoid legal penalties, fines, or data breaches. It is essential for roles in fintech, banking, retail, or any industry processing card payments, as non-compliance can lead to loss of customer trust and significant financial liabilities. Understanding PCI DSS helps in implementing secure coding practices, encryption, access controls, and regular security testing.