PCI DSS-Compliant File Transfer

with Serv-U MFT Server

Protect sensitive information in transit and at rest.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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Supports unlimited concurrent sessions

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