The PCI Council has created a clear path of action for Merchants that will help prevent a compromise of cardholder information. PCI DSS is built around six goals that include 12 identified requirements. Not all requirements will apply to every merchant as it depends on what processing solution they are using (i.e. Stand Alone Terminal, Virtual Terminal, etc.)

Build and Maintain a Secure Network	Requirement 1: Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data Requirement 2: Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters
Protect Cardholder Data	Requirement 3: Protect stored cardholder data Requirement 4: Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks
Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program	Requirement 5: Use and regularly update anti-virus software Requirement 6: Develop and maintain secure systems and applications
Implement Strong Access Control Measures	Requirement 7: Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know Requirement 8: Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access Requirement 9: Restrict physical access to cardholder data
Regularly Monitor and Test Networks	Requirement 10: Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data Requirement 11: Regularly test security systems and processes
Maintain an Information Security Policy	Requirement 12: Maintain a policy that addresses information security.