Free PCI DSS Information Security Policy Template (v4.0)
PCI DSS Requirement 12 mandates an information security policy that governs how you protect cardholder data. This free template is aligned to PCI DSS v4.0 and gives you a defensible starting point for your SAQ or QSA assessment. Tailor the [Customize] points to your environment.
Any merchant or service provider that stores, processes or transmits payment card data and needs to evidence a documented security policy for PCI DSS.
Template
Information Security Policy (PCI DSS)
PCI DSS v4.0 — Requirement 12
1. Purpose & Scope
This policy governs the protection of cardholder data at ✎ Company Name and applies to all personnel, systems and third parties within the cardholder data environment (CDE): ✎ describe your CDE and connected systems.
2. Commitments
The organization commits to protecting cardholder data, maintaining PCI DSS compliance, and reviewing this policy at least annually and after significant change. Roles with PCI responsibilities are formally assigned.
3. Key Security Requirements
- Network controls and segmentation protect the CDE (Req. 1–2).
- Stored cardholder data is minimised and protected; data is encrypted in transit (Req. 3–4).
- Systems are protected from malware and kept patched (Req. 5–6).
- Access is least-privilege with strong authentication and MFA (Req. 7–8).
- Physical access to cardholder data is controlled (Req. 9).
- Access to the CDE is logged and monitored (Req. 10).
- Security is tested through scans and penetration tests (Req. 11).
4. Roles & Responsibilities
✎ role, e.g. Security Officer owns PCI compliance and this policy. System owners apply the controls in their area, and all personnel handling cardholder data must follow this policy.
5. Incident Response & Training
A documented incident response plan covers suspected cardholder data breaches (Req. 12.10), and personnel receive security awareness training at least annually (Req. 12.6).
6. Compliance, Monitoring & Review
Compliance is mandatory; breaches may lead to disciplinary action. PCI compliance is validated via ✎ your SAQ type or QSA assessment. This policy is classified Internal, distributed to relevant personnel, and reviewed at least annually.
✎ Highlighted items are placeholders — replace them with your organization's details.
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How to customize this template
- Describe your actual CDE and how it's segmented — scoping is the single biggest factor in PCI effort.
- Confirm your SAQ type (or QSA route); it determines which requirements apply to you.
- Minimise stored cardholder data — the less you store, the smaller your scope.
- Name a PCI owner and assign responsibilities for each requirement area.
- Keep evidence (scans, training records, access reviews) — PCI is about demonstrating controls operate.
What an auditor looks for
- •Does the policy address all 12 PCI DSS requirement areas at a high level?
- •Is the cardholder data environment clearly scoped?
- •Are PCI responsibilities assigned and is the policy reviewed annually?
- •Are incident response and awareness training covered (Req. 12.10 and 12.6)?
Frequently asked questions
Is an information security policy mandatory for PCI DSS?+
Yes — Requirement 12 explicitly requires a documented, maintained information security policy reviewed at least annually.
What is an SAQ?+
A Self-Assessment Questionnaire is how smaller merchants validate PCI DSS compliance. The SAQ type depends on how you handle card data; larger volumes require a QSA assessment.
How do I reduce my PCI scope?+
Store as little cardholder data as possible, use a compliant payment processor, and segment your network so the CDE is isolated from the rest of your systems.