What is a compensating control in PCI DSS?

A compensating control in PCI DSS is defined as a security measure that meets the intent and rigor of a PCI DSS requirement but differs from the prescribed solution. This concept is essential in circumstances where an organization is unable to implement the required controls due to specific technical or business constraints.

While compensating controls are not a substitute for the original requirement, they are designed to provide equivalent protection by addressing the same security objectives. For instance, if an organization cannot meet a particular requirement related to encryption due to technical limitations, it may employ a different yet effective security measure that adequately protects cardholder data in another way.

This flexibility allows organizations to maintain compliance with PCI DSS by ensuring that they can adapt to unique situations while still upholding the standard's main goal of protecting payment card data. The emphasis on "intent and rigor" ensures that the spirit of PCI DSS is honored, thus still maintaining a high level of security for sensitive information.