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Achieving PCI compliance demonstrates your commitment to protecting cardholder data and is a great way to differentiate yourself from your competitors. But getting to that point requires some serious work. Learning how to become PCI compliant can put you on the fast track to success.
Not exactly. While resources like questionnaires and self-assessment forms can often be obtained for free, achieving and maintaining PCI compliance requires an extensive network of systems, tools, and audits that don’t come cheap.
Bear in mind that while PCI implementation costs involve a substantial upfront investment, you can ultimately save money in the long run by avoiding fines and business loss. You really can’t put a price tag on compliance.
So you’re considering taking a DIY approach to PCI compliance––is it possible? Depends on the size of your business and the number of transactions you process. Large businesses that process more than 6 million transactions each year are considered Level 1 and face more stringent requirements than smaller merchants, which often equates to a higher level of scrutiny that makes self-certification difficult.
In most cases, small businesses can self-assess, while large organizations must work with external auditors to ensure compliance. When in doubt, it’s best to reach out directly to governing authorities to see what types of certification you are eligible for.
If you fall within the scope of PCI level 1, you must undergo an annual PCI DSS assessment and obtain a report on compliance (ROC). This process involves several steps.
While PCI levels 2-4 only require a self-assessment, level 1 businesses have to work with QSAs. These independent third-parties are qualified to evaluate companies’ adherence to PCI compliance standards. You can view a comprehensive list of QSAs here.
The QSA may begin by completing a gap analysis, where they identify areas that are lacking. While this step isn’t usually mandatory, it is highly recommended, as it can help you determine the current state of your security posture and create a clear roadmap for improvement prior to the official audit.
Once you know where you need to improve, it’s time to start remediating. This might involve upgrading your encryption protocols, enhancing access controls, or improving staff training. The remediation phase is your last chance to address any issues before the assessment, so it’s important to take it seriously.
Now is your time to shine and prove that you know how to become PCI compliant. At this stage, the QSA will conduct the formal assessment, which examines all the systems and processes you have in place to comply with PCI. They will check to see that you’re upholding the 12 PCI DSS requirements, such as maintaining a strong firewall and encrypting the transmission of cardholder data across open networks.
If you pass the assessment, you’ll receive a report on compliance that details the QSA’s findings and basically validates that your organization is up to part with PCI standards. An ROC must be submitted every year. In the event of a security incident, it can also serve as proof of compliance, demonstrating you’ve taken every step you could to secure your data.
For levels 2-4 businesses, the path to PCI compliance is much more straightforward, but it still requires time and effort. If you process fewer than 6 million transactions annually, here’s how to become PCI compliant using a self-assessment checklist.
The first thing you need to do is determine which SAQ applies to your organization. There are several types of SAQs, each tailored to different business models and payment processing methods. For example, SAQ A applies to merchants that outsource all payment processing, while SAQ C applies to those with payment application systems connected to the internet and that lack electronic cardholder data storage.
The SAQ is designed to measure your processes and controls against the 12 PCI DSS requirements. Different SAQs may have different questions, so this isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. Successful completion of the SAQ relies on companies being fully honest and transparent about their security fitness. Only check boxes that you feel truly confident passing off.
PCI DSS fines and penalties are no joke, and vulnerabilities in your system can lead to disaster if not swiftly addressed. During the SAQ completion process, it’s important to carefully scan for vulnerabilities and highlight any gaps in your compliance protocols. How often you’ll need to scan depends on several factors, including your level of risk and the types of payment processing systems you use.
While PCI level 1 businesses receive a document outlining their compliance status at the end of the assessment period, organizations that fall within the scope of levels 2-4 must provide documentation proving their adherence to PCI standards. This document is called an attestation of compliance (AOC). Usually, AOCs are submitted alongside SAQs. They provide clear proof that the company has identified and addressed any gaps in their system to become PCI compliant.
Whether you’re working with a QSA or self-assessing, it’s important to monitor your systems and procedures over time. Achieving compliance isn’t a one-and-done thing. By continually updating your processes, you can enjoy the full benefits of PCI DSS compliance, demonstrating to stakeholders and regulatory bodies that you are serious about protecting cardholder data.
No matter your business size, getting compliant with PCI standards is a must in today’s day and age, with so many cards being swiped left and right. Thankfully, Compyl is here to help. Our PCI framework helps businesses like yours align with relevant standards while maintaining full visibility into their systems. To learn how to become PCI compliant with Compyl, get in touch with us today.
