PCI DSS

PCI DSS Audit

Our PCI DSS certification service helps your organization achieve full compliance with the PCI DSS v4.0 standard through a structured, efficient process. The stages include:

Stage 1: Pre-Audit (GAP Assessment)

The GAP Assessment identifies where your organization falls short of PCI DSS compliance and prepares you for a successful certification audit.

  • Initial Scoping: Identify systems involved in payment card processing, storing, or transmitting cardholder data.
  • Data Collection: Gather information on organizational structure, network topology, security procedures, cardholder data protection, and access control.
  • Compliance Validation: Review network segmentation, access control, and security policies to create an Initial Report on Compliance.
  • Recommendations: Develop a tailored action plan to address gaps and reduce audit scope.

Deliverable: Detailed plan for implementing PCI DSS.

Stage 2: External Vulnerability Scanning (ASV Scanning)

Certified ASV scans are conducted quarterly for up to 10 IP addresses over a year, ensuring ongoing compliance with PCI DSS.

  • External Scanning: Identify vulnerabilities in public-facing network services.
  • Remediation Support: Provide recommendations to address vulnerabilities and verify remediation with re-scans.

Deliverable: Quarterly vulnerability scan reports.

Stage 3: Penetration Testing (External & Internal)

Comprehensive testing to simulate real-world attacks and identify weaknesses in your external and internal networks.

  • External Penetration Testing: Assess the external perimeter for vulnerabilities from an internet-based attacker.
  • Internal Penetration Testing: Simulate insider threats via VPN access, testing internal network vulnerabilities.

Deliverable: Penetration test report with findings and remediation recommendations.

Stage 4: PCI DSS Certification Audit

The final stage is the certification audit, which ensures compliance with PCI DSS requirements and includes:

  • Audit Scope Definition: Confirm the systems, processes, and networks in scope for the audit.
  • Evidence Gathering: Verify compliance through interviews, system configurations, and document reviews.
  • Reporting: Finalize and submit the Report on Compliance (ROC) and Attestation of Compliance (AoC) to the appropriate payment brands.

Deliverables: PCI DSS Certificate, Report on Compliance (ROC), and Attestation of Compliance (AoC).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • 1: What is PCI DSS?

    PCI DSS is a global security standard to protect cardholder data during and after transactions.

  • 2: How long does PCI DSS certification take?

    Depending on the size and complexity of your environment, certification can take 3-6 months from the pre-audit to final certification.

  • 3: What is ASV Scanning?

    Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) scanning identifies vulnerabilities in public-facing systems, helping you maintain compliance over time.

  • 4: What happens if vulnerabilities are found?

    We provide remediation guidance and perform follow-up scans to ensure all issues are resolved before final certification.

  • 5: Do I need both external and internal penetration tests?

    Yes, PCI DSS requires both external and internal penetration tests to validate the security of your payment systems.

This streamlined approach ensures that your organization meets all PCI DSS requirements, helping you secure your payment systems and achieve certification efficiently.