PCI DSS v4.0
Security

Cardholder Data Protection Policy Template

Policy governing storage, transmission, and protection of cardholder data and sensitive authentication data.

What This Policy Covers

Purpose and Scope-Policy objectives and applicability.
Permitted Cardholder Data Storage-What cardholder data elements may and may not be stored.
Cardholder Data Discovery and Inventory-Data flow documentation and discovery scanning.
Data Masking and Truncation-PAN display and transmission masking rules.
Encryption Requirements-Encryption at rest and in transit for cardholder data.
Secure Deletion Procedures-Approved media sanitization and disposal methods.
Data Retention Limits-Maximum retention periods and automated purge processes.

Required Sections

A compliant Cardholder Data Protection Policy for PCI DSS v4.0 must include the following7 sections. Each section addresses a specific control requirement that auditors will review.

1

Purpose and Scope

Policy objectives and applicability.

2

Permitted Cardholder Data Storage

What cardholder data elements may and may not be stored.

3

Cardholder Data Discovery and Inventory

Data flow documentation and discovery scanning.

4

Data Masking and Truncation

PAN display and transmission masking rules.

5

Encryption Requirements

Encryption at rest and in transit for cardholder data.

6

Secure Deletion Procedures

Approved media sanitization and disposal methods.

7

Data Retention Limits

Maximum retention periods and automated purge processes.

Generate a Customized Version

This template shows the required structure. PoliWriter generates a fully customized Cardholder Data Protection Policy that references your actual cloud providers, identity systems, tools, and team practices — ready for auditor review.