PCI DSS and PCI SSC

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of requirements to make sure that all companies that process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. It was launched on September 7, 2006 to manage PCI security standards and improve account security throughout the transaction process. 

PCI SSC (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council) administers and manages the PCI DSS. This organization is independent and was created by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JC. The payment brands and acquirers, rather than the PCI SSC, are responsible for enforcing the standards.