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EMV compliance means that payment cards and terminals meet the specifications for chip card technology, offering a more secure alternative to magnetic stripe transactions. This technology significantly reduces card fraud by encrypting transaction data uniquely each time.

EMV targets the physical security of chip-embedded payment cards, making it harder for fraudsters to replicate cards. It secures transactions requiring a card's physical presence but doesn't cover online transactions. In contrast, PCI DSS outlines security measures for businesses to protect cardholder data when processing, storing, or transmitting it, offering a broader scope of protection.

Aims to secure chip-based payment cards, ensuring they work globally.

Uses chip technology to authenticate cardholder identity and prevent card cloning.

Requires hardware and processors to be EMV certified.

Managed by EMVCo, a consortium including Europay, MasterCard, and Visa.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of requirements designed to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Unlike EMV, which focuses on physical transaction security, PCI DSS encompasses a broader spectrum of security measures, including policies, technologies, and ongoing processes.

Seeks to safeguard cardholder data handled by businesses.

Includes comprehensive security measures like maintaining secure networks, protecting stored data, and regular security assessments.

Businesses evaluate their compliance through self-assessment questionnaires tailored to their operations.

Governed by the PCI Security Standards Council, formed by major payment networks.

Despite their differences, EMV and PCI DSS complement each other, offering layered security against card fraud and data theft. PCI compliance is mandatory for businesses accepting credit cards, while EMV compliance is highly recommended but not legally required. Together, they enhance the safety of card transactions but cannot guarantee absolute fraud prevention.

EMV technology does not impact a business's requirement to comply with PCI standards. Businesses must adhere to both to thoroughly protect customer information during card transactions. EMV reduces the risk of counterfeit card fraud in physical transactions but does not encrypt card data, necessitating PCI compliance to secure data across all transaction types.

In practice, businesses can enhance security by integrating technologies like point-to-point encryption (P2PE) and tokenization with EMV upgrades, further reducing PCI scope and protecting data more effectively.

EverExpanse offers a seamless pathway to achieving both EMV and PCI compliance, providing expert guidance and support throughout the certification process.

EverExpanse simplifies the journey to EMV certification, assisting businesses in upgrading their payment systems to meet the latest security standards. This ensures compatibility with chip-enabled cards, significantly reducing the likelihood of card-present fraud.

In addition to EMV certification, EverExpanse helps businesses navigate the complex requirements of PCI compliance. From initial assessment to remediation and ongoing support, EverExpanse ensures that your payment processing systems adhere to the highest standards of data security.