NIST Cybersecurity Framework vs PCI DSS: Key Differences and How to Integrate Them

Andrios Robert

25 Aug 2022 • 3 min read

Navigating cybersecurity standards is essential for maintaining robust defenses and compliance. When discussing frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and PCI DSS, understanding their purpose, key differences, and how they complement each other is crucial for any organization that handles sensitive data or payment information.

This blog post clarifies the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and PCI DSS, highlights where they align, and explains how to achieve operational efficiency when implementing both.

What Is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a set of voluntary guidelines created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It helps organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. Rather than mandating specific controls, the framework focuses on customizable best practices for all industries, regardless of their size or sector. The NIST CSF comprises five core functions:

Identify: Recognize and understand cyber risks, assets, and vulnerabilities.
Protect: Deploy safeguards to prevent security incidents.
Detect: Quickly identify when cyber events occur.
Respond: Contain and manage the impact of detected events.
Recover: Restore operations and services promptly after an incident.

This framework is flexible, making it ideal for organizations looking to tailor their cybersecurity efforts without strict regulatory mandates.

What Is PCI DSS?

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a compliance standard overseen by the PCI Security Standards Council. Its primary goal is to protect cardholder data from theft and misuse for organizations that process, store, or share payment card information. Businesses that accept credit or debit card payments must comply with PCI DSS or face penalties and reputational damage.

The PCI DSS requirements are detailed and prescriptive, covering key areas like:

Building and maintaining a secure network.
Protecting payment cardholder data.
Managing vulnerabilities with secure systems and applications.
Implementing strong access control measures.
Monitoring and testing network security.

While PCI DSS is mandatory for organizations handling payment data, it does not focus on broader cybersecurity risk management like the NIST CSF.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework vs PCI DSS: What Sets Them Apart?

While the NIST CSF and PCI DSS both aim to improve security, they differ in purpose, scope, and requirements.

Purpose

NIST Framework: A roadmap for overall risk management and improving cybersecurity posture.
PCI DSS: Detailed, compulsory requirements to safeguard payment card information.

Industry Scope

NIST Framework: Relevant across all industries and adaptable to unique organizational needs.
PCI DSS: Focused exclusively on payment-related environments, systems, and processes.

Flexibility

NIST Framework: Flexible and customizable without specific mandates.
PCI DSS: Prescriptive, outlining exactly what organizations must do to achieve compliance.

Can NIST CSF and PCI DSS Work Together?

Since the NIST Cybersecurity Framework covers general risk management and PCI DSS enforces strict payment data security, these two frameworks can be combined to enhance security while ensuring compliance. Here’s how they complement one another:

Risk Identification: NIST’s "Identify"function provides a clear view of risks across systems, which is useful when pinpointing PCI DSS-relevant assets.
Security Baselines: While NIST offers flexible guidance, PCI DSS provides fixed technical and operational controls, acting as a strong baseline for securing payment systems.
Incident Response: Both frameworks emphasize the importance of timely detection and response, giving organizations a layered approach to incident management.

To get the most out of both frameworks, organizations can align their PCI DSS compliance requirements within NIST’s broader risk management approach. This not only simplifies the management of regulatory obligations but also ensures that payment data security fits seamlessly into your organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy.

Challenges of Managing Both Frameworks

For small to large-scale organizations, implementing NIST CSF and maintaining PCI DSS compliance can get complicated. Challenges include:

Redundancy: Without proper planning, parallel processes for the frameworks create inefficiencies.
Visibility: It’s difficult to monitor all compliance and operational data in real-time.
Documentation: Managing audits for both frameworks demands meticulous tracking.

A unified platform that integrates policies, controls, and progress tracking for both frameworks reduces manual effort and ensures consistency.

Simplifying NIST CSF and PCI DSS with Hoop.dev

Managing overlapping frameworks shouldn’t mean doubling your workload. Tools like Hoop.dev give teams real-time visibility into operations, helping map PCI DSS compliance within the broader NIST CSF framework. You can simplify audits, automate control checks, and identify gaps on a single platform.

See how seamlessly you can integrate and scale both the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and PCI DSS by using hoop.dev’s unified dashboard. Take action today—start exploring instantly.