Requirement 6.6 of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, which became mandatory June 30, 2008, gives organizations a choice when it comes to securing Web-based applications. They can comply via manual or automated source code reviews or vulnerability scans, or by installing a WAF between a Web application and the client endpoint -- which leaves most organizations with a common PCI compliance question: How do you decide which option is best?

This series of three tips by Mike Cobb will provide pros and cons of both options, including how each helps deal with emerging threats, cost and staffing considerations, and the difference between being compliant being secure.

Part 1 examines the pros and cons for