PCI compliance refers to adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to safeguard credit card information during processing, storage, and transmission. Launched in 2006, the PCI DSS aims to bolster account security and fortify the transaction process. To ensure strict compliance, the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), an autonomous entity established by major credit card companies such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB, oversees and manages the PCI DSS. By complying with these standards, businesses can maintain a secure environment for their customers' sensitive data.