PCI DSS is a cybersecurity standard backed by all the major credit card and payment processing companies that aims to keep credit and debit card numbers safe. Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council was created by these industry players to make sure transactions involving credit card numbers are secure as possible. Compliance with the standard is mandated by the contracts that merchants sign with the card brands (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) and with banks that handle their payment processing. Some have argued that the credit card companies that make up the Council use the standard to shift security responsibilities onto retailers.”]