PCI PIN Security Audit

Stage 1: Pre-Audit (GAP Assessment)

This stage evaluates your current level of compliance with the PCI PIN Security Requirements and defines
the scope of the formal assessment. It establishes a clear understanding of your infrastructure,
cryptographic processes, key management practices, and existing security controls.

• Initial Scoping and Information Gathering: Collection and review of architecture, systems, applications, and security documentation relevant to the PIN environment.
• PIN Environment Identification: Identification of in-scope systems, PIN entry devices, HSMs, cryptographic components, and supporting infrastructure.
• Key Management Review: Assessment of key generation, loading, distribution, storage, rotation, backup, archival, and destruction processes.
• Encryption and Transmission Security: Evaluation of how PIN data and cryptographic keys are protected during transmission, processing, and storage.
• Device and Process Security: Review of controls related to PIN entry devices, device handling procedures, tamper protection, and operational security practices.
• Gap Analysis: Identification of non-compliance areas, weak controls, process deficiencies, and documentation gaps.
• Remediation Recommendations: Development of prioritized corrective actions to address identified issues and improve compliance readiness.

Deliverable: GAP Assessment Report including defined scope, identified gaps, risk observations, and a prioritized remediation plan for achieving PCI PIN Security compliance.

Stage 2: PCI PIN Security Certification Audit

This stage performs the formal assessment of the in-scope PIN processing environment against the PCI PIN Security Requirements v3.1. The audit verifies whether required controls are properly implemented, supported by evidence, and operating effectively in practice.

• Scope Finalization: Confirmation of in-scope systems, cryptographic components, operational processes, and supporting environments.
• Evidence Collection: Review of policies, procedures, system configurations, logs, cryptographic controls, and related compliance documentation.
• Interviews with Responsible Personnel: Verification of security responsibilities, operational practices, and control ownership.
• Observation of Key Management Activities: Validation of key lifecycle processes, including key loading, distribution, storage, rotation, and destruction.
• Control Testing and Validation: Assessment of control effectiveness across PIN processing, cryptographic key management, and device security domains.
• Remediation Validation: Verification of corrective actions and updated evidence prior to final reporting, where applicable.

Deliverable:

• Report on Compliance (ROC) documenting assessment scope, testing, findings, and compliance results
• Attestation of Compliance (AOC) confirming the organization’s compliance status
• Evidence-based validation of implemented security and cryptographic controls
• Final compliance reporting aligned with PCI SSC expectations and applicable card scheme requirements

The certification process follows recognized PCI assessment methodologies and includes validation through observation, interviews, documentation review, and evidence-based testing performed by qualified assessors.

Stage 3: Advisory Support

Advisory support is provided to help your organization address assessment findings, strengthen security controls,
and maintain ongoing PCI PIN Security compliance. This stage supports a smooth transition from assessment
to certification and helps improve long-term compliance readiness.

• Compliance Guidance: Expert support in interpreting PCI PIN Security requirements and applying them within your environment.
• Remediation Assistance: Practical guidance on implementing corrective actions, improving controls, and strengthening documentation.
• Ongoing Consultation: Continued support through remote sessions, workshops, and email-based advisory communication.
• Extended Support Period: Advisory services available for an agreed post-assessment period, depending on engagement scope.
• Timely Response: Support delivered within agreed timelines to maintain remediation momentum and audit readiness.

Deliverable: Ongoing PCI PIN Security Advisory Support to assist with
remediation, control enhancement, and sustained compliance readiness.

Basis of Work

The audit is conducted using recognized PCI methodologies and industry best practices to ensure a structured, independent, and evidence-based assessment of the PIN processing environment.

• PCI PIN Security Requirements v3.1: The core standard for protecting PIN data, cryptographic keys, and related payment infrastructure.
• PCI SSC Assessment Methodology: A recognized framework for validation, testing, evidence review, and compliance reporting.
• Card Scheme Requirements: Relevant guidance and expectations from Visa, Mastercard, and other payment networks, where applicable.

The assessment is typically performed remotely and tailored to your organization’s infrastructure, risk exposure, operational model, and PIN processing environment.