What is the primary goal of PCI DSS?

The primary goal of PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is to develop and improve network security for all companies that handle cardholder information. This standard was created to address the growing concerns surrounding data breaches and to protect cardholder data across various payment systems.

By establishing a framework of security requirements, PCI DSS aims to ensure that all businesses handling payment card information adopt comprehensive measures to secure that data and reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. Compliance with these standards helps organizations implement best practices for safeguarding sensitive information, thus fostering a more secure payment environment.

This focus on security is vital in the face of threats posed by cybercriminals, and it underscores the importance of protecting cardholder data in the payment card industry. Other options do not align with the core mission of PCI DSS, as they either suggest unrelated goals or misconstrue the intent of the standard.