What does the PCI Security Standards Council primarily aim to do?

The primary aim of the PCI Security Standards Council is to establish criteria to safeguard cardholder data. This includes the creation and management of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which provides a framework for organizations that handle cardholder information. The standards set by the Council ensure that merchants and service providers implement effective measures to protect sensitive data from theft or breaches, ultimately enhancing the security of card transactions across the globe. By focusing on safeguarding this data, the Council helps maintain consumer trust in payment systems and contributes to the overall security of the payment ecosystem.