PAN Encryption Over Open Networks
Description
Strong cryptography (TLS 1.2+) must protect PAN whenever transmitted over open, public networks.
⚠️ Risk Impact
PAN in transit over plain HTTP, weak TLS, or deprecated protocols can be captured via network sniffing or downgrade attacks.
🔍 How EchelonGraph Detects This
EchelonGraph's Tier 1 Cloud Scanner automatically checks for this condition across all connected cloud accounts. Violations are flagged as critical-severity findings with remediation guidance.
🔧 Remediation
Enforce TLS 1.2+ on all endpoints handling PAN. Disable TLS 1.0/1.1. Use approved cipher suites only. Implement HSTS. Certificate pinning for sensitive paths.
💀 Real-World Attack Scenario
A merchant's payment-processor integration used HTTPS but had TLS 1.0 still enabled for 'backward compatibility'. An attacker performed a downgrade attack (POODLE / BEAST variants) against API traffic, captured PAN in transit. Detection took 3 months via card-brand alerts about coincidental fraud.
💰 Cost of Non-Compliance
PCI 4.2 violations: $5K-$100K/month. Average breach: $115-$200/record exposed.
📋 Audit Questions
- 1.What TLS versions are enabled on PAN-handling endpoints?
- 2.Are weak cipher suites disabled?
- 3.HSTS implemented?
- 4.Certificate pinning where appropriate?
🎯 MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
⚡ Common Pitfalls
- ⛔TLS 1.0/1.1 left enabled 'for compatibility'
- ⛔Strong ciphers preferred but weak ciphers still accepted
- ⛔Self-signed certificates in production
📈 Business Value
Modern TLS configuration eliminates transit-attack vectors.
⏱️ Effort Estimate
8-16 hours TLS configuration audit + remediation
EchelonGraph monitors TLS posture continuously
🔗 Cross-Framework References
Automate PCI DSS 4.2 compliance
EchelonGraph continuously monitors this control across all your cloud accounts.
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