Point-to-point encryption (P2PE) protects payment card data by encrypting it at the point of capture and keeping it encrypted until it reaches a secure decryption environment. This reduces the number of systems that handle readable card data, but the protection depends on properly managed devices, keys, and decryption processes.
In real payment environments, P2PE is separate from tokenization: encryption protects data in transit to the decryption point, while tokenization substitutes a surrogate value for the card data. Neither control automatically removes every system from PCI DSS scope. Defenders should verify the approved payment path, restrict access to decryption services, and assess connected systems that can affect the security of card data.