What is the minimum encryption standard for data storage outlined in PCI DSS?

The minimum encryption standard for data storage outlined in PCI DSS is AES-128 or its equivalent. This standard is in place to ensure that sensitive payment card information, such as cardholder data, is adequately protected from unauthorized access and breaches.

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is widely recognized and accepted as a secure encryption algorithm, and AES-128 provides a good balance between performance and security for protecting sensitive information. It is strong enough to deter most common attacks while being less resource-intensive than longer key lengths.

By specifying AES-128 or an equivalent standard, PCI DSS establishes a benchmark that organizations must adhere to in order to safeguard cardholder data adequately. This helps ensure that companies processing payment card transactions maintain a high level of security in their data encryption practices. Adopting this standard is crucial in mitigating risks associated with data breaches and protecting the integrity and privacy of payment information.