Skip to Main Content
Solarwinds header logo

  • Bring IT all together

    Customers rely on SolarWinds to drive operational resilience, from unified observability to enterprise-wide service management, through a simple, powerful, and secure portfolio built for hybrid IT.

    Platform OverviewPlatform Overview
    EXPLORE SOLARWINDS
    Interactive DemosPricingAbout UsSecure by DesignSolarWinds AI
    Monitoring and Observability

    World-class capabilities built for your hybrid IT ecosystem.

    NetworkInfrastructureDatabaseApplicationsDigital ExperienceLogsSecurity
    Monitoring and Observability Overview
    Database Observability

    Monitor, alert, triage, remediate, and prevent database issues from disrupting your business.

    MonitorDiagnoseOptimizeEverywhere
    Database Observability Overview
    Incident Response

    Build operational resilience and keep your systems online.

    Incident Response Overview
    IT Service Management

    Get teams back to work faster with an experience built for IT—and loved by users.

    Service ManagementAssets & CMDBAI & AutomationEnterprise Service Management
    IT Service Management Overview
    Not sure where to start?
    Get Expert GuidanceExplore ToolsRequest a QuoteVisit Our THWACK User Community

  • Respond even faster

    SolarWinds helps teams respond faster through AI-Powered observability, database performance, incident response, and ITSM solutions. Let our products work hard so you don’t have to.

    All ProductsAll Products
    EXPLORE SOLARWINDS
    Interactive DemosPricingAbout UsSecure By DesignSolarWinds AI
    Monitoring & Observability

    SolarWinds Observability Self-HostedSolarWinds Observability SaaSServer Application MonitorSecurity Event ManagerNetwork Performance MonitorNetFlow Traffic AnalyzerVirtualization ManagerNetwork Configuration ManagerIP Address ManagerAccess Rights Manager
    Database

    Database Performance AnalyzerSQL Sentry
    Incident Response

    SolarWinds Incident Response
    IT Service Management

    SolarWinds Service DeskWeb Help DeskDameware
    Tools

    Engineer's ToolsetKiwi Syslog ServerNetwork Topology MapperServ-U Managed File Transfer
    View Free Tools
    Not sure where to start?
    Get Expert GuidanceExplore ToolsRequest a QuoteVisit Our THWACK User Community

  • Discover our solutions to your IT challenges

    Whether you want to stay ahead with new tech, speed up modernization, support modular services, cut costs, or stay competitive, we’ve built industry-leading software to maximize hybrid IT, spark innovation, and tackle your toughest IT challenges.

    All SolutionsAll Solutions
    EXPLORE SOLARWINDS
    Interactive DemosPricingAbout UsSecure By DesignSolarWinds AI
    By Need

    Application Performance DevOpsIT Service ManagementNetwork Monitoring and ManagementCloud MigrationDigital Experience IT Asset ManagementUser Experience MonitoringDatabase ManagementInfrastructure MonitoringLog ManagementIT Automation
    By Technology

    AWSKubernetesPostgreSQLAzureMySQLSQL Server Diagnostics
    By Industry

    EducationPublic SectorEnterpriseSmall Business
    Partner Solutions

    Global System Integrators & MSPs
    View All Solutions
    Not sure where to start?
    Get Expert GuidanceExplore ToolsRequest a QuoteVisit Our THWACK User Community
  • Pricing

  • We’re here to help you.

    With award-winning technical support, extensive documentation, comprehensive training, and tons of educational assets, we’re dedicated to your success. Plus, you can connect directly with product experts in our user community of over 200,000 registered members.

    Get Expert GuidanceGet Expert Guidance
    EXPLORE SOLARWINDS
    Interactive DemosPricingAbout UsSecure By DesignSolarWinds AI
    Partners

    Program OverviewBecome A PartnerFind a PartnerPartner Portal Login
    Resource Center

    NewsroomInvestor RelationsSolarWinds BlogTrust CenterResourcesGDPR
    Services & Support

    Customer SuccessDeployment ServicesPremium SupportTechnical DocsRenew MaintenanceSolarWinds Academy: Training & CertificationTechnical SupportReport a Security Incident
    Community

    THWACK SolarWinds User CommunityEventsPartners
    Not sure where to start?
    Get Expert GuidanceExplore ToolsRequest a QuoteVisit Our THWACK User Community
Contact Us
Request Quote
Solarwinds header logo
Skip to Main Content
  • Pricing
  • Customer Portal
  • THWACK®
  • Events
  • SolarWinds Blog
  • Public Sector
  • Contact Us
SolarWinds Footer Logo

SolarWinds was founded by IT professionals solving complex problems in the simplest way, and we have carried that spirit forward since 1999. We take pride in relentlessly listening to our customers to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. Our digital agility solutions are built to help companies of any size accelerate business transformation today and into the future.

Try SolarWinds
  • Free Product Trials
  • All Tools
  • Interactive Demos
  • Preference Center
Security
  • Trust Center
  • GDPR Resource Center
  • Secure by Design
  • Security Information
For Customers
  • Customer Portal
  • Support
  • Documentation
  • THWACK Community
About SolarWinds
  • Company
  • Careers
  • For Government
  • For Investors
Resources
  • SolarWinds Blog
  • Resource Center
  • Knowledge Hub
  • Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ Observability
Try SolarWinds
  • Legal Documents
  • Privacy
  • California Privacy Rights
  • Web Accessibility Statement

©2026 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.

Serv-U
  • Products
    • Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server
    • Serv-U File Transfer Protocol Server
    • Serv-U Gateway
  • View All Features
    Features
    • Active Directory or LDAP Authentication
    • Automated File Transfer
    • Automated IP Blocking
    • Desktop and Mobile Access
    • FTP Server Optional Gateway
    • Ipv Cases/Ipv6
    • Reverse Proxy
    • SSH Public Key Authentication
    • PCI DSS-Compliant File Transfer
    • Alerts and Events Automation
    • Enterprise File Sharing
    • FTP Server Windows
    • FTP Security
    • Linux Ftp Server
    • Powerful Management Console
    • Web Client
    • SSL Connection
    • Business File Sharing
    • File Access
    • FTP Voyager Jv
    • Large File Transfer
    • Managed File Transfer
    • Secure File Sharing
    • Simple File Sharing
    • Enhanced File Transfer
    • Support for HIPAA Compliance
    • Compare
    • MFT Server Datasheet
    • Overview
    • System Requirements
    • Getting Started Guide
    • Release Notes
    • Installation Guide
    • Administrator Guide
    • Serv-U Management Console
    • Serv-U File Sharing (MFT)
    • Server Concepts
    • Legacy Web Client
    • FTP Server Datasheet
    • Support
    • Case Studies
    • Videos
    • Demo
    • Tutorials
    • Partners
Serv-U

PCI DSS-Compliant File Transfer

with Serv-U MFT Server

Protect sensitive information in transit and at rest.

Download Free TrialEmail Link to Trial
Fully functional for 14 days
Learn More
Enforce PCI DSS-compliant file transfer protocols
Protect cardholder data with advanced access controls
Maintain detailed audit logs and compliance visibility
Secure data transfers across public networks and firewalls
Automate PCI-compliant workflows with custom triggers

Enforce PCI DSS-Compliant File Transfer Protocols

SolarWinds® Serv-U® Managed File Transfer (Serv-U MFT) supports secure protocols, including Secure File Transfer Protocol, File Transfer Protocol Secure, and HTTPS, to help organizations meet Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements for encrypted file transfers. These secure protocols ensure credit card data, account numbers, and other sensitive information are protected in transit and at rest. Unlike cloud services with limited control, Serv-U allows you to host your MFT environment on-premises or in a demilitarized zone (DMZ), maintaining tighter control over data access and storage. Whether transferring stored cardholder data or receiving files from payment processors, Serv-U ensures every transfer aligns with PCI DSS compliance requirements.

Download Free TrialEmail Link to Trial
Fully functional for 14 days
Learn More

Protect Cardholder Data With Advanced Access Controls

Serv-U enables IT and compliance teams to enforce strict access control policies, helping limit file access to authorized user accounts only. You can integrate with Lightweight Directory Access Protocol or Active Directory to centralize authentication and permissions management—ensuring cardholder data is only available to users with a verified business need. Multi-factor authentication, IP address restrictions, and granular user permissions help reduce the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. These controls support PCI DSS requirements for securing system components and ensure sensitive data is handled per your defined security policy.

Download Free TrialEmail Link to Trial
Fully functional for 14 days
Learn More

Maintain Detailed Audit Logs and Compliance Visibility

Serv-U provides full audit logging capabilities, helping you track all file activity across your MFT system. Each user action—file uploads, downloads, login attempts, and configuration changes—is logged in detail and can be exported for compliance reviews. These audit logs are critical for satisfying PCI DSS compliance requirements, supporting both internal audits and third-party assessments. For added security, logs can be retained based on your organization’s policy or regulatory mandates. This visibility allows IT and compliance officers to quickly detect anomalies, investigate suspicious behavior, and demonstrate secure file transfer practices to stakeholders.

Download Free TrialEmail Link to Trial
Fully functional for 14 days
Learn More

Secure Data Transfers Across Public Networks and Firewalls

With built-in support for secure file sharing, Serv-U helps protect sensitive customer data as it moves between internal systems and external partners over public networks. Data in transit is encrypted using AES-256, Transport Layer Security (TLS), or SSH, while support for DMZ deployment ensures external connections do not expose your internal network. Serv-U also supports firewall-friendly configuration and virtual IPs for high-availability setups. Whether you’re exchanging credit card information with payment gateways or sharing PCI-related reports, Serv-U enables secure file transfer while minimizing vulnerabilities across your infrastructure.

Download Free TrialEmail Link to Trial
Fully functional for 14 days
Learn More

Automate PCI-Compliant Workflows With Custom Triggers

Serv-U allows you to automate compliant file transfer workflows using event-driven triggers. These automation features can help ensure files containing cardholder data are immediately encrypted, moved, or deleted according to policy. You can configure rules based on user actions, file locations, or time of day—streamlining security measures without manual oversight. This is especially valuable for retail environments or service providers handling large volumes of PCI-sensitive data. By reducing human error and ensuring real-time compliance with PCI DSS standards, the Serv-U automation engine supports secure, scalable operations across payment environments.

Download Free TrialEmail Link to Trial
Fully functional for 14 days
Learn More

Get More on PCI Compliant File Transfer

  • What is PCI compliant file transfer?
  • What security features should a PCI compliant file transfer solution have?
  • What are the best practices for ensuring PCI compliant file transfers?
  • What are the risks of using non-PCI compliant file-sharing methods?

PCI compliant file transfer refers to the secure exchange of sensitive data, particularly PCI DSS-regulated information, between entities. This process involves adhering to the stringent guidelines set forth by PCI DSS to safeguard credit card numbers, debit card details, and other sensitive financial information during data transmissions. A PCI compliant file transfer solution must implement robust security features and controls to protect data both in transit and at rest. Key aspects include using SSL/TLS encryption to encrypt data, ensuring a secure connection, and maintaining rigorous access controls and authentication mechanisms. By doing so, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with handling sensitive payment information, ensuring regulatory compliance, and reducing the likelihood of noncompliance penalties.

A PCI compliant file transfer solution should incorporate several critical security features to ensure the protection of sensitive data transmissions. Key features include:

  • Data Encryption: Utilizing SSL/TLS to encrypt data both in transit and at rest, ensuring that even if intercepted, the data remains unreadable without the decryption key
  • Access Controls: Implementing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to ensure only authorized personnel can access or transfer sensitive information
  • Antivirus Software: Integrating anti-virus software to scan files for malware during transfer, preventing the spread of malicious software
  • Audit Trails and Logging: Maintaining detailed logs of all file transfer activities to facilitate monitoring, incident response, and compliance auditing
  • Secure Protocols: Using secure communication protocols compliant with PCI DSS requirements for data transmissions

By integrating these security features, a file transfer solution can effectively safeguard sensitive information and support PCI compliant file transfer practices.

To ensure PCI compliant file transfers, organizations should adopt the following best practices:

  • Use a Secure File Transfer Solution: Employ a file transfer solution specifically designed for PCI compliant file transfer, incorporating security features such as encryption and secure authentication
  • Regularly Update and Patch Systems: Keep all systems and software involved in the file transfer process up-to-date with the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities
  • Implement Strong Access Controls: Limit access to sensitive data to only those who need it, using principles of least privilege and ensuring that access is revoked when no longer necessary
  • Monitor and Audit File Transfers: Regularly monitor file transfer activities and maintain comprehensive audit logs to quickly identify and respond to potential security incidents
  • Train Personnel: Educate staff on the importance of PCI compliant file transfer and the procedures to follow to ensure compliance

By following these best practices, organizations can significantly enhance the security of their file transfer processes and maintain regulatory compliance.

Using non-PCI compliant file-sharing methods poses significant risks to organizations, particularly those that handle sensitive payment information. The primary risks include:

  • Data Breaches: Noncompliant file-sharing methods often lack robust security controls, making it easier for unauthorized parties to intercept or access sensitive data, such as credit card numbers
  • Noncompliance Penalties: Failure to comply with PCI DSS can result in substantial fines and penalties, along with potential legal action
  • Reputational Damage: A data breach or noncompliance issue can severely damage an organization's reputation, eroding customer trust and potentially leading to loss of business
  • Financial Loss: Beyond the direct costs of noncompliance penalties and breach remediation, organizations may also face financial losses due to fraud resulting from compromised payment information

For retailers and other businesses that handle payment card information, using PCI compliant file transfer methods is crucial to avoid these risks and ensure the secure handling of sensitive data.

  • PCI compliant file transfer refers to the secure exchange of sensitive data, particularly PCI DSS-regulated information, between entities. This process involves adhering to the stringent guidelines set forth by PCI DSS to safeguard credit card numbers, debit card details, and other sensitive financial information during data transmissions. A PCI compliant file transfer solution must implement robust security features and controls to protect data both in transit and at rest. Key aspects include using SSL/TLS encryption to encrypt data, ensuring a secure connection, and maintaining rigorous access controls and authentication mechanisms. By doing so, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with handling sensitive payment information, ensuring regulatory compliance, and reducing the likelihood of noncompliance penalties.

  • A PCI compliant file transfer solution should incorporate several critical security features to ensure the protection of sensitive data transmissions. Key features include:

    • Data Encryption: Utilizing SSL/TLS to encrypt data both in transit and at rest, ensuring that even if intercepted, the data remains unreadable without the decryption key
    • Access Controls: Implementing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to ensure only authorized personnel can access or transfer sensitive information
    • Antivirus Software: Integrating anti-virus software to scan files for malware during transfer, preventing the spread of malicious software
    • Audit Trails and Logging: Maintaining detailed logs of all file transfer activities to facilitate monitoring, incident response, and compliance auditing
    • Secure Protocols: Using secure communication protocols compliant with PCI DSS requirements for data transmissions

    By integrating these security features, a file transfer solution can effectively safeguard sensitive information and support PCI compliant file transfer practices.

  • To ensure PCI compliant file transfers, organizations should adopt the following best practices:

    • Use a Secure File Transfer Solution: Employ a file transfer solution specifically designed for PCI compliant file transfer, incorporating security features such as encryption and secure authentication
    • Regularly Update and Patch Systems: Keep all systems and software involved in the file transfer process up-to-date with the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities
    • Implement Strong Access Controls: Limit access to sensitive data to only those who need it, using principles of least privilege and ensuring that access is revoked when no longer necessary
    • Monitor and Audit File Transfers: Regularly monitor file transfer activities and maintain comprehensive audit logs to quickly identify and respond to potential security incidents
    • Train Personnel: Educate staff on the importance of PCI compliant file transfer and the procedures to follow to ensure compliance

    By following these best practices, organizations can significantly enhance the security of their file transfer processes and maintain regulatory compliance.

  • Using non-PCI compliant file-sharing methods poses significant risks to organizations, particularly those that handle sensitive payment information. The primary risks include:

    • Data Breaches: Noncompliant file-sharing methods often lack robust security controls, making it easier for unauthorized parties to intercept or access sensitive data, such as credit card numbers
    • Noncompliance Penalties: Failure to comply with PCI DSS can result in substantial fines and penalties, along with potential legal action
    • Reputational Damage: A data breach or noncompliance issue can severely damage an organization's reputation, eroding customer trust and potentially leading to loss of business
    • Financial Loss: Beyond the direct costs of noncompliance penalties and breach remediation, organizations may also face financial losses due to fraud resulting from compromised payment information

    For retailers and other businesses that handle payment card information, using PCI compliant file transfer methods is crucial to avoid these risks and ensure the secure handling of sensitive data.

The Most Accessible Secure File Transfer Software for Business

Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server

  • Transfer files safely from multiple operation systems.
  • Ensure compliance with enterprise-level on-premises transfer tool.
  • Enhance security with MFA and prevent unauthorized access.
Download Free Trial
Fully functional for 14 days
Learn MoreExplore Product Info
Let's talk it over.

Contact our team. Anytime.