If you handle payment cards, PCI DSS Requirement 12.6 is not optional. It explicitly demands a formal security awareness program.
The Core Requirement (12.6)
"Implement a formal security awareness program to make all personnel aware of the cardholder data security policy and procedures."
Checklist for Compliance
Upon Hire: Train new staff before they access card data.
Annually: Refresher training must occur every 12 months.
Acknowledgement: Staff must sign that they read the policy.
Phishing (v4.0): New mandate to train users on detecting phishing attacks.
Required Curriculum
Handling Cardholder Data (CHD) securely.
Physical security (inspecting terminals for skimmers).
Incident Response: Who to call if a breach is suspected.
Data Transmission: Never email credit card numbers.
The Cost of Failure
Failing a PCI audit can lead to fines of $5k–$100k per month, or worse—the revocation of your ability to process credit cards.
Conclusion
PCI DSS is prescriptive. Use its clear guidelines to build a structured, defensible training calendar that ensures every employee handling payments is a guardian of customer data.
