How long must organizations keep PCI DSS compliance records?

The requirement for organizations to retain PCI DSS compliance records is set to ensure that there is a reliable historical account of security validations and compliance efforts. Maintaining these records for at least one year after the last date of PCI DSS validation serves several purposes. It allows for accountability and verification of compliance in the event of audits, disputes, or investigations related to data security and breaches.

This timeframe of one year provides a sufficient window for the organization to provide evidence of compliance and to demonstrate that they have maintained adherence to PCI security requirements since their last validation. By having these records on hand, organizations are better equipped to respond to any incidents or inquiries regarding their security posture.

Maintaining records longer or shorter than this stipulated period may not provide the necessary documentation to confirm ongoing compliance and could hinder an organization’s ability to manage risks effectively.