Comparison between PCI-DSS and ASD Essential 8
Overview
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and the Australian Signals Directorate's (ASD) Essential 8 are two widely used security frameworks. While PCI-DSS focuses on protecting cardholder data, the Essential 8 focuses on protecting systems, networks and data from malicious actors. The Essential 8 is considered more comprehensive than PCI-DSS, as it covers a wider range of security controls and provides a more holistic approach to security. PCI-DSS is more specific, focusing on protecting cardholder data and providing guidance on how to do so. Both frameworks are essential to ensuring data security, but the Essential 8 provides a more comprehensive approach.
Contents
What is PCI-DSS?
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a set of security requirements designed to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. The standard was developed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), an organization created by the major credit card companies to ensure secure payment processing. PCI-DSS applies to all organizations that handle credit card information, regardless of size or number of transactions. PCI-DSS is made up of 12 requirements that address different aspects of security, such as network architecture, software design, and physical security. The requirements focus on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of cardholder data. Organizations must comply with all 12 requirements in order to be PCI-DSS compliant. Organizations must also complete an annual self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) to demonstrate their compliance with the standard. Additionally, organizations may be subject to an on-site assessment by a qualified security assessor (QSA). The QSA will review the organization's compliance with the standard and provide a report of their findings. Organizations that do not comply with the PCI-DSS requirements may be subject to fines and other penalties. Therefore, it is important for organizations to ensure that they are compliant with the standard.
What is ASD Essential 8?
The ASD Essential 8 is an Australian Government initiative developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). It is a set of eight mitigation strategies that organisations can use to protect their systems from cyber threats. These strategies are designed to help organisations reduce the risk of cyber attacks, protect their data and networks, and ensure the security of their systems. The strategies are: application whitelisting, patching applications, patching operating systems, application control, restricted administrative privileges, boundary defence, multi-factor authentication, and monitoring of privileged activities. Each of these strategies has been designed to help organisations protect their systems and data from cyber threats. By implementing the Essential 8, organisations can reduce the risk of cyber attacks and ensure the security of their systems.
A Comparison Between PCI-DSS and ASD Essential 8
1. Both are security standards that help organizations protect their data and systems.
2. Both emphasize the importance of employee training and awareness.
3. Both require regular security assessments and audits.
4. Both require the use of strong access control measures.
5. Both require the implementation of appropriate security measures to protect data in transit.
6. Both emphasize the need for strong encryption of data at rest.
7. Both require the implementation of secure logging and monitoring processes.
8. Both require the implementation of appropriate incident response plans.
The Key Differences Between PCI-DSS and ASD Essential 8
1. PCI-DSS is a payment card industry security standard that applies to organizations that process, store or transmit credit card information. ASD Essential 8 is an Australian government security standard that applies to all government agencies.
2. PCI-DSS focuses on protecting credit card data and ensuring the secure handling of payment card transactions. ASD Essential 8 focuses on protecting government data and systems from cyber security threats.
3. PCI-DSS requires organizations to maintain a secure network, protect cardholder data, maintain a vulnerability management program, implement strong access control measures, regularly monitor and test networks, and maintain an information security policy. ASD Essential 8 requires organizations to implement patching, application whitelisting, secure configuration, user access control, logging and monitoring, malicious code protection, and incident response.
4. PCI-DSS is a standard that is enforced by the payment industry and must be complied with in order to process payment card transactions. ASD Essential 8 is a standard that is enforced by the Australian government and must be complied with in order to access government systems and data.