PCI 3DS Core Security Standard

The PCI 3DS Core Security Standard is used to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data in EMV® 3-D Secure (3DS) payment authentication transactions. It establishes security requirements for organizations that process, store, or transmit 3DS transaction data to reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure secure online payment experiences.

Certification to the PCI 3DS Core Security Standard is required for certain organizations, such as payment service providers, 3DS issuers, and merchants operating 3DS environments, by card brands or acquirers. Compliance is validated through regular assessments by Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) as directed by the PCI Security Standards Council or your payment brand.

The standard applies to all organizations that operate 3DS transaction environments, including payment service providers, issuers, acquirers, and merchants who facilitate or process 3DS data. Third-party service providers involved in 3DS ecosystems are also in scope if they impact the security of authentication data.

Key controls include network security architecture, encryption of sensitive authentication data, robust access management, monitoring and logging, incident response, and periodic security assessments. Organizations must also manage cryptographic keys, assess third-party providers, and document compliance evidence.

Organizations implement the standard by understanding its security control domains, mapping requirements to their 3DS payment environments, developing security policies and procedures, and integrating these controls with existing risk management and governance practices. Regular training, monitoring, and review activities are also part of the implementation process.

The PCI 3DS Core Security Standard complements other PCI frameworks, such as PCI DSS, but focuses specifically on the secure processing of 3DS authentication data. It addresses unique risks and authentication elements in 3DS, while PCI DSS covers broader payment card data environments.

Ongoing compliance involves maintaining all required security controls, conducting periodic risk assessments, documenting procedures, monitoring for security incidents, and undergoing regular PCI SSC assessments. Continuous improvement, remediation of findings, and up-to-date evidence collection are also expected.

SmartSuite supports PCI 3DS Core Security Standard compliance by enabling organizations to track risks, manage required security controls, and automate evidence collection for audit purposes. It provides tools for maintaining policy documentation, managing remediation workflows, and monitoring compliance status through real-time dashboards and reporting, facilitating continuous audit readiness and oversight.