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June 20, 2025Peplink PCI DSS 4 Compliance: Hardening Guide with Zero Touch Deployment
Introduction
Achieving Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance is critical for businesses handling payment card data. This step-by-step hardening guide demonstrates how to secure Peplink routers using InControl for zero-touch deployment, ensuring robust Peplink router security that meets PCI DSS 4 requirements. From configuring unique credentials to enabling network segmentation, this tutorial simplifies compliance for single devices or thousands of locations.
Prerequisites
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Peplink router (e.g., Balance, MAX, or EPX) with the latest firmware. Learn how to update firmware on Peplink University’s Firmware Guide. See our webinar on Firmware 8.3.0
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Access to Peplink InControl for cloud-based management.
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A management VLAN or network for administrative access.
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Optional: SIEM tool (e.g., Fluency Security) for log monitoring.
STEPS:
1. Set Unique Usernames and Passwords
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Navigate to InControl > Group > Settings > Device System Management.
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Enable Device Web Admin and CLI for secure access.
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Set a unique username (e.g., “PeplinkUniversityAdmin”) instead of “admin” to enhance Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance.
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Assign random passwords for each device or a shared password. Download a backup copy.
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Schedule password updates every 180 days per PCI DSS 4 security policies.
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Save changes.


2. Restrict Management Access
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In Device System Management, configure authentication:
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Use local accounts, RADIUS, or TACACS.
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Optionally disable CLI and SSH consoles for PCI DSS 4 hardening.
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Restrict web admin interface access:
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Allow only HTTPS.
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Limit to LAN and a specific VLAN (e.g., untagged management VLAN).
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Block access from guest or staff networks.
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For SD switches and access points:
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Restrict to HTTPS and the management VLAN.
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Save changes to secure Peplink router security.
3. Lock Down LCD Front Panel
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In Device System Management, secure the LCD front panel on physical appliances.
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Assign a random or shared password (e.g., “2024”) for all devices.
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Save changes to prevent unauthorized physical access.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
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Go to InControl > Organization Settings > Peplink University > Organization Settings.
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Enable Force Two-Factor Authentication for all InControl users to meet Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance.
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Save changes.


5. Disable ICMP Responses on WAN Interfaces
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Navigate to InControl > Overview > EPX Router > Settings > Remote Web Admin.
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For each WAN interface (e.g., VLAN 4, Cellular 1, Cellular 2):
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Uncheck Reply to ICMP Ping to disable ICMP responses, a key PCI DSS 4 requirement.
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Save and apply changes.
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6. Configure Firewall Rules
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Go to InControl > Group > Network Settings > Firewall Rules > Manage Firewall Rules.
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Create a rule set named “PCI DSS 4”:
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Set default Inbound policy to Deny.
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Enable Intrusion and DoS Protection for enhanced PCI DSS 4 hardening.
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Add outbound rules (optional):
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Block specific regions (e.g., “North Korea”) under Destination > Regions > Deny. Enable event logging.
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Allow SaaS applications (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) under Destination > SaaS > Allow. Place above the block rule.
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Save and apply changes.
7. Enable Content Blocking
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In InControl > Group > Network Settings > Content Blocking:
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Block Adware and Malware using the URL database (set to auto-update).
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Block Proxy/Anonymizers, BitTorrent, DNS over SSL, DNS Crypt, and Tor to strengthen Peplink router security.
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Save changes.
8. Implement Network Segmentation for Point of Sale (POS)
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Go to InControl > Group > Network Settings > VLAN Networks.
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Create a POS VLAN (e.g., “Point of Sale”, VLAN 200, IP: 192.168.200.1).
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Disable Inter-VLAN Routing to isolate the POS network, critical for Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance.
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Configure DHCP (optional) and set DNS to the router.
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Create a grouped network for POS servers:
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Go to Network Settings > Grouped Network > Add New Group.
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Name it “Point of Sale Servers” and add IPs (e.g., 8.8.8.8, 65.78.90.195, 67.23.57).
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Create firewall rules:
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Point of Sale Allow: Source (192.168.200.0/24), Destination (Point of Sale Servers), Action (Allow), Enable Logging.
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Point of Sale Deny: Source (192.168.200.0/24), Destination (Any), Action (Deny), Enable Logging.
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Internal POS Deny: Source (Any), Destination (192.168.200.0/24), Action (Deny), Enable Logging.
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For multiple POS VLANs, create a grouped network (e.g., “Point of Sale VLANs” with 192.168.200.0/24, 192.168.201.0/24) and apply similar rules.
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Save changes to isolate POS traffic.


9. Enable Logging and Monitoring
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In Firewall Rules, ensure logging is enabled for all policies.
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Go to Settings > Device System Management > Logging.
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Enable SNMP, NetFlow, and Remote Syslog to send logs to a SIEM tool.
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Configure logging for specific VLANs or all traffic.
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Save changes to support Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance auditing.
10. Review Firewall Rules and Document Changes
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Schedule firewall policy reviews every six months.
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Check InControl > Settings > Operational Log to track changes (e.g., firewall rules, VLAN additions).
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Document changes for PCI DSS 1.1.7 (network segregation) compliance.
11. Create an Incident Response Plan
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Develop an incident response plan with SOPs for:
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Updating firewall rules.
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Installing devices (ensure proper VLAN, IP documentation, and approved services).
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Train your team on procedures.
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Use a SIEM tool for alerts and tickets.
Additional Notes
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Zero-Touch Deployment: InControl applies configurations across all devices, ensuring consistent Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance.
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PCI DSS 4 Requirements: This guide addresses router and firewall standards (e.g., PCI DSS 1.1.7, 1.2, 2.2). Review the PCI DSS official documentation for full compliance details.
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Resources: See Peplink’s PCI DSS Guide for additional support.
Tips
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Regularly update firmware via Peplink University’s Firmware Guide.
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Use a SIEM tool for real-time log analysis.
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Document all changes for audits.
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Restrict management access to trusted VLANs.


