The PCI DSS landscape is evolving rapidly. As the Q1 2025 deadline looms large, businesses are scrambling to meet the stringent new requirements of PCI DSS v4.0. Two sections in particular, 6.4.3 and 11.6.1, are of concern because they require organizations to strictly control and manage payment page scripts and use a robust change detection mechanism. With the deadline fast approaching and the serious consequences of non-compliance, there is no room for complacency, so in this article we will look at the best way to meet these complex coding requirements.
PCI DSS v4: Understanding Requirements 6.4.3 and 11.6.1
These changes to PCI DSS version 4.0 confirm the urgent need to strengthen customer-side security in the face of ubiquitous supply chain threats. They call for stronger payment page security to protect customers’ sensitive payment data from malicious script attacks:
- 6.4.3: To comply with this requirement, your organization must monitor and manage all payment page scripts that are executed in the consumer’s browser. This includes ensuring that scripts are authorized, that their integrity is maintained, and that you maintain an inventory that lists each one with a written rationale for their inclusion.
- 11.6.1: This requirement focuses on script modification detection and spoofing prevention, so organizations will need to implement a mechanism to promptly detect unauthorized modifications of security-critical HTTP headers and scripts used on payment pages. This will help prevent the introduction of malicious code and other attacks targeting payment data.
Custom PCI dashboard
Reflectiz knew that traditional PCI compliance methods often take a lot of time and resources, so they created a custom PCI dashboard that creates them with a minimum of hassle. It provides real-time remote visibility into your online ecosystem with script-level monitoring and no need for on-site resources, so compliance is maintained and compliance reporting is a breeze because it’s like a natural byproduct of what the solution already does.
Get access to a 30-day free PCI control panel.
Simplify compliance with Smart Approvals
Reflectiz’s smart approval engine is another time saver. Instead of manually approving and justifying each scenario, you can simply define acceptable script behaviors and then let the system automatically batch approve those that match them.
You can still approve and justify changes to individual scripts if needed, but being able to simplify the approval process by defining acceptable behavior for scripts in this way is an added liberating feature. It also extends to managing agreements for websites with multiple payment pages, which is even better.
To summarize:
- Script approval: Easily approve and justify individual script changes to meet requirements 6.4.3 and 11.6.1.
- Smart approval mechanism: Streamline the approval process by defining acceptable script behavior.
- Manage multiple payment pages: Efficiently manage agreements for websites with multiple payment pages.
The benefits of using a Reflectiz PCI panel quickly add up.
- Time savings: Automate manual processes, freeing your team to focus on core business.Reflectiz recently reduced the amount of work required for one of their clients by 95% (!) See the case study below.
- Cost reduction: Reduce compliance overhead, including personnel and resources.
- Reducing the risk of non-compliance: Stay ahead of PCI DSS requirements and minimize the risk of costly fines and reputational damage.
Using security solutions that rely on embedded JavaScript can add more vulnerabilities (incl Top 10 OWASP Vulnerabilities), than they fix it, for example, they try to extinguish fires with gasoline. Reflectiz works remotely, giving it a continuous view of every script on the page with no chance of compromise or additional vulnerabilities. The last place you should submit JavaScript vulnerabilities is a payment page, so Reflectiz takes a much more secure and efficient route to PCI remote control compliance.
Access your 30-day free PCI control panel.
Why Reflectiz chose remote monitoring over built-in scripts
Built-in security scripts add significant disadvantages:
- Privacy Issues: They can gain access to your business and user data, adding constant stress to your compliance efforts.
- Limited visibility: They cannot control important areas such as iFrames, user capture and tracking cookies. These are invisible to them.
- Impact on performance: They slow down websites and require constant updates.
- Security risks: They are vulnerable to attacks and increase the total attack surface.
Reflectiz’s remote monitoring approach overcomes these challenges by providing comprehensive, secure, and efficient monitoring of web components.
Stuart Golding, a leading PCI DSS qualified security assessor, agrees that this is the right approach: “Personally, I tend to favor solutions that are the least intrusive, both in terms of cost and implementation. These solutions typically require minimal development or changes to the organization’s web page, allowing for quick implementation and results.”
Case study: A large US insurance company
Challenge: A major US insurance company had to comply with the new PCI DSS v4.0 requirements, specifically 6.4.3 and 11.6.1, which, as we’ve already noted, require strict monitoring and scripting of payment pages. The company had:
- 2 payment pages
- Approximately 60 scripts on both pages
The solution: The company implemented a PCI panel from Reflectiz to simplify the monitoring and approval of scripts within two weeks.
The results:
Breakdown:
Key conclusions:
- Reflectiz identified a significant number of script changes (30% in just two weeks), highlighting the need for constant monitoring.
- By projecting this data on a larger scale (8 paid pages), Reflectiz can potentially save a company from reviewing and approving 40 scripts each week.
- By automating approvals and minimizing manual effort, Reflectiz reduces the risk of human error and streamlines the compliance process. This means significant cost savings and a smoother path to passing your PCI audit.
This case study demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of Reflectiz in scenario change management and PCI DSS compliance.
Outside of PCI compliance
PCI compliance is just one aspect of Reflectiz’s comprehensive suite of web security features. By monitoring third-party web components, tracking data access to payment and credit card information, and supporting a comprehensive inventory of third- and fourth-party scenarios, Reflectiz helps organizations achieve and maintain PCI DSS v4.0 compliance while strengthening overall online security . posture.
