Misinformation About PCI DSS
One of my biggest pet peeves is the distribution of misinformation—especially when it comes to PCI compliance. That’s exactly why we created Payments Guardian—to cut through the noise and provide businesses with real, fact-based compliance guidance.
A false claim has circulated that PCI DSS 4.0 mandates using DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) by March 31, 2025.
Some news sources, including a recent Hacker News article, have stated that DMARC is now required for compliance—but this is false.
What PCI DSS 4.0 Says About DMARC
Let’s set the record straight:
✅ DMARC is NOT a PCI DSS requirement under PCI DSS 4.0.
✅ Requirement 5.4 refers to anti-phishing mechanisms that protect users against phishing attacks.
✅ PCI DSS 4.0 recommends using email authentication tools like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM as best practices, but it does not require them.
Breaking Down the PCI DSS 4.0 Guidelines on Phishing Protections
According to the official PCI DSS 4.0 document, Requirement 5.4 states:
“Processes and automated mechanisms are in place to detect and protect personnel against phishing attacks.”
The guidance suggests that organizations consider a combination of security controls, including:
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)
While these technologies help prevent phishing and spoofing, PCI DSS does not explicitly mandate DMARC as a compliance requirement. Instead, it recommends implementing appropriate phishing protections as a best practice to limit risk and improve email security.
The Truth About Vendor-Driven Compliance Myths
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen misleading compliance claims circulating in the payments industry. Some vendors and security providers use “compliance scare tactics” to push their products, creating unnecessary confusion and fear among businesses.”
This is why we recommend constantly verifying compliance claims with official PCI DSS documentation or consulting with a PCI compliance expert before making security changes based on misinformation.
Want the Facts? Stay Updated With Payments Guardian
At Payments Guardian, we aim to help businesses stay compliant—without the unnecessary noise or confusion caused by vendor-driven scare tactics.
🔍 For accurate PCI DSS updates, insights, and compliance strategies, check out our blog at Payments Guardian Insights.
📩 Want expert insights? Subscribe to Scott Norton’s newsletter, in which he regularly dissects misleading compliance claims like this one. Another source we recommend is the official PCI Security Standards website
Let’s focus on absolute security, accurate compliance, and facts.
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