Are You PCI DSS 4.x Ready? What E-commerce Merchants Need to Know before the March deadline

South Africans lost R22 million to counterfeit card fraud in 2023, according to the South African Banking Risk Centre’s (SABRIC) annual crime report.

With fraud on the rise, securing customer payments is critical.

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That’s where PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) comes in.

This global security framework helps businesses protect cardholder data, reduce fraud risks, and build consumer trust.

The latest version, PCI DSS 4.x, requires full compliance with future-dated requirements by 31 March 2025, yet many merchants remain uncertain about their role.

Why PCI DSS Compliance Matters

PCI DSS protects card transactions from fraud, breaches, and financial loss.

It’s not just a best practice—it’s mandatory.

Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and even suspension of payment processing.

Understanding Your Role in PCI DSS Compliance

While payment providers like Peach Payments manage many aspects of payment security, your level of PCI DSS responsibility depends on many factors.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Understanding Your Integration Type

Different integration methods have varying security requirements.

Whether you use hosted payment pages, direct API integrations, or mobile SDKs, each method has specific compliance obligations.

Merchants must ensure they meet the required standards for their integration type.

2. Reviewing Your Annual Transaction Volume

Your compliance level depends on the number of transactions you process each year.

Higher transaction volumes may require additional validation steps, such as completing a Report on Compliance (ROC) with a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).

3. Maintaining a Secure Business Environment

• Protecting Cardholder Data – Both Digital And Any Hardcopy/Paper Records.
• Keeping Software And Systems Updated
• Implementing Strong Access Controls
• Conducting Regular Security Assessments
• Completing A Self-Assessment Questionnaire (Saq): Based On Your PCI DSS Level.

How PCI DSS Compliance Supports Your Business

Adhering to PCI DSS requirements not only helps protect your customers, but also enhances your business security by preventing fraud, reducing financial risk, and ensuring smoother payment operations.

Key security measures include:

• A PCI DSS-Compliant Payment Gateway: Ensuring that transactions are securely processed with the highest level of security compliance. Peach Payments’ PCI compliance, especially with our innovative solutions like embedded checkout, simplifies PCI DSS v4 adherence for merchants, enabling them to focus on their core business while we secure their payments.
• Tokenization Services: By replacing sensitive cardholder data with a secure token, merchants can reduce fraud risks while simplifying compliance.
• Data Encryption: Cardholder data should be encrypted during transmission and storage to provide an extra layer of security.
• Dedicated Compliance Support

What’s Next?

To stay compliant and protect your customers:

• Review your current payment integration.
• Determine your transaction volume to identify your PCI DSS level.
• Conduct regular security checks to mitigate risks.
• Consult your payment provider for guidance—Peach Payments can help simplify your PCI DSS v4.x journey.
• Visit the PCI Security Standards Council website for further guidance.

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