How Peplink Transformed 27 Clinics in Just Days
March 12, 2025
From One Upgrade to a Full Ecosystem: A Peplink Success Story
June 20, 2025
Peplink 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
-
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
-
Access to Peplink InControl for cloud-based management.
-
A management VLAN or network for administrative access.
-
Optional: SIEM tool (e.g., Fluency Security) for log monitoring.
STEPS:
1. Set Unique Usernames and Passwords
-
Navigate to InControl > Group > Settings > Device System Management.
-
Enable Device Web Admin and CLI for secure access.
-
Set a unique username (e.g., “PeplinkUniversityAdmin”) instead of “admin” to enhance Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance.
-
Assign random passwords for each device or a shared password. Download a backup copy.
-
Schedule password updates every 180 days per PCI DSS 4 security policies.
-
Save changes.
2. Restrict Management Access
-
In Device System Management, configure authentication:
-
Use local accounts, RADIUS, or TACACS.
-
Optionally disable CLI and SSH consoles for PCI DSS 4 hardening.
-
-
Restrict web admin interface access:
-
Allow only HTTPS.
-
Limit to LAN and a specific VLAN (e.g., untagged management VLAN).
-
Block access from guest or staff networks.
-
-
For SD switches and access points:
-
Restrict to HTTPS and the management VLAN.
-
-
Save changes to secure Peplink router security.
3. Lock Down LCD Front Panel
-
In Device System Management, secure the LCD front panel on physical appliances.
-
Assign a random or shared password (e.g., “2024”) for all devices.
-
Save changes to prevent unauthorized physical access.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
-
Go to InControl > Organization Settings > Peplink University > Organization Settings.
-
Enable Force Two-Factor Authentication for all InControl users to meet Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance.
-
Save changes.
5. Disable ICMP Responses on WAN Interfaces
-
Navigate to InControl > Overview > EPX Router > Settings > Remote Web Admin.
-
For each WAN interface (e.g., VLAN 4, Cellular 1, Cellular 2):
-
Uncheck Reply to ICMP Ping to disable ICMP responses, a key PCI DSS 4 requirement.
-
Save and apply changes.
-
6. Configure Firewall Rules
-
Go to InControl > Group > Network Settings > Firewall Rules > Manage Firewall Rules.
-
Create a rule set named “PCI DSS 4”:
-
Set default Inbound policy to Deny.
-
Enable Intrusion and DoS Protection for enhanced PCI DSS 4 hardening.
-
-
Add outbound rules (optional):
-
Block specific regions (e.g., “North Korea”) under Destination > Regions > Deny. Enable event logging.
-
Allow SaaS applications (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) under Destination > SaaS > Allow. Place above the block rule.
-
-
Save and apply changes.
7. Enable Content Blocking
-
In InControl > Group > Network Settings > Content Blocking:
-
Block Adware and Malware using the URL database (set to auto-update).
-
Block Proxy/Anonymizers, BitTorrent, DNS over SSL, DNS Crypt, and Tor to strengthen Peplink router security.
-
-
Save changes.
8. Implement Network Segmentation for Point of Sale (POS)
-
Go to InControl > Group > Network Settings > VLAN Networks.
-
Create a POS VLAN (e.g., “Point of Sale”, VLAN 200, IP: 192.168.200.1).
-
Disable Inter-VLAN Routing to isolate the POS network, critical for Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance.
-
Configure DHCP (optional) and set DNS to the router.
-
Create a grouped network for POS servers:
-
Go to Network Settings > Grouped Network > Add New Group.
-
Name it “Point of Sale Servers” and add IPs (e.g., 8.8.8.8, 65.78.90.195, 67.23.57).
-
-
Create firewall rules:
-
Point of Sale Allow: Source (192.168.200.0/24), Destination (Point of Sale Servers), Action (Allow), Enable Logging.
-
Point of Sale Deny: Source (192.168.200.0/24), Destination (Any), Action (Deny), Enable Logging.
-
Internal POS Deny: Source (Any), Destination (192.168.200.0/24), Action (Deny), Enable Logging.
-
-
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.
-
Save changes to isolate POS traffic.
9. Enable Logging and Monitoring
-
In Firewall Rules, ensure logging is enabled for all policies.
-
Go to Settings > Device System Management > Logging.
-
Enable SNMP, NetFlow, and Remote Syslog to send logs to a SIEM tool.
-
Configure logging for specific VLANs or all traffic.
-
Save changes to support Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance auditing.
10. Review Firewall Rules and Document Changes
-
Schedule firewall policy reviews every six months.
-
Check InControl > Settings > Operational Log to track changes (e.g., firewall rules, VLAN additions).
-
Document changes for PCI DSS 1.1.7 (network segregation) compliance.
11. Create an Incident Response Plan
-
Develop an incident response plan with SOPs for:
-
Updating firewall rules.
-
Installing devices (ensure proper VLAN, IP documentation, and approved services).
-
-
Train your team on procedures.
-
Use a SIEM tool for alerts and tickets.
Additional Notes
-
Zero-Touch Deployment: InControl applies configurations across all devices, ensuring consistent Peplink PCI DSS 4 compliance.
-
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.
-
Resources: See Peplink’s PCI DSS Guide for additional support.
Tips
-
Regularly update firmware via Peplink University’s Firmware Guide.
-
Use a SIEM tool for real-time log analysis.
-
Document all changes for audits.
-
Restrict management access to trusted VLANs.
