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Croatia’s Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard: A Necessary Protective Measure for Cardholders

Introduction

In a bid to ensure the safety and security of cardholders in Croatia, the country’s payment industry has implemented the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This standard is mandatory for all entities that store, process or transmit Visa cardholder data, including financial institutions, merchants and service providers.

Visa’s PCI DSS Compliance Programs

Visa’s programs aim to manage PCI DSS compliance by requiring participants to demonstrate their compliance on a regular basis. The company has introduced various initiatives to simplify PIN security compliance validation across regions, ensuring that sensitive cardholder information remains protected.

Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS)

In addition, Visa strongly encourages payment application vendors to develop and validate the conformance of their products to the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS). PA-DSS compliant applications help merchants and agents:

• Mitigate compromises
• Prevent storage of sensitive cardholder data
• Support overall compliance with the PCI DSS

This standard applies only to third-party payment application software that stores, processes or transmits cardholder data as part of an authorization or settlement.

In-House Software Applications

It is worth noting that in-house software applications are covered within a merchant’s or agent’s PCI DSS assessment.

Responding to Compromised Cardholder Information

In the event that cardholders’ information is compromised, it is essential to respond quickly and effectively to minimize damage. By adhering to these security standards, Croatia’s payment industry can ensure the continued trust of its customers and maintain a secure environment for transactions.

Additional Resources

For more information on PCI security standards, visit the PCI Security Standards Council website.