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BackWhat is Payment card data?
Payment card data refers to the information stored on or associated with a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or other payment card used for financial transactions. Organizations that process, store, or transmit this information must protect it from unauthorized access, theft, and misuse.
It is a prime target for cybercriminals because it can be used to conduct fraudulent transactions, create counterfeit cards, or facilitate identity theft. As a result, businesses that handle cardholder information must follow strict security controls and compliance requirements.
Protecting it is not only a security requirement but also a business necessity. A breach involving cardholder information can lead to financial losses, regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust.
What information qualifies?
It includes information found on a payment card and data generated during payment processing.
| Data type | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Account Number (PAN) | The payment card number used to identify the account |
| Cardholder name | Name printed on the card |
| Expiration date | Date until which the card remains valid |
| Service code | Code used for transaction processing |
| Chip data | Information stored in the card’s EMV chip |
| Magnetic stripe data | Data encoded on the card’s magnetic stripe |
Some of this information is considered highly sensitive and requires stronger protection measures.
Sensitive authentication data
Certain payment-related information receives additional protection because attackers can use it to conduct fraudulent transactions.
| Sensitive data | Example |
|---|---|
| Card Verification Value (CVV/CVC) | Three- or four-digit security code |
| PIN data | Personal Identification Number used for authentication |
| Full track data | Data stored in the magnetic stripe or chip |
Organizations generally should not store sensitive authentication data after authorization unless explicitly permitted by applicable standards.
Why it needs protection
Payment card information moves through payment gateways, point-of-sale systems, applications, databases, customer portals, and payment processors. Every stage presents an opportunity for attackers to intercept or steal data.
Organizations protect payment card data to:
- Prevent financial fraud and unauthorized transactions.
- Reduce the risk of data breaches.
- Maintain customer trust.
- Meet regulatory and industry requirements.
- Minimize legal and financial liabilities.
- Protect business reputation.
Security best practices for payment card data
Organizations should implement layered security controls to reduce the risk of cardholder data exposure.
Key security practices include:
- Encrypt payment card data during storage and transmission.
- Restrict access using least-privilege principles.
- Monitor systems for suspicious activity.
- Apply security patches regularly.
- Use strong authentication controls.
- Conduct regular security assessments and audits.
- Remove unnecessary storage of sensitive payment information.
How Hexnode helps protects
Hexnode UEM helps organizations secure the endpoints used to process, access, or manage payment card information. Administrators can enforce device security policies, manage operating system updates, deploy approved applications, and monitor device compliance across managed endpoints.
Hexnode UEM also supports device restrictions, application management, encryption policy enforcement on supported platforms, and compliance monitoring. These capabilities help organizations reduce endpoint-related risks that could expose payment card data through compromised devices, unauthorized applications, or outdated software.
FAQs
Cardholder data typically refers to the Primary Account Number (PAN) along with related card information, while payment card data is a broader term that encompasses information involved in payment transactions and processing.
Yes. Tokenization replaces sensitive card information with a non-sensitive token, reducing the amount of actual card data exposed within systems and applications.
