The Payment Card Industry Standards Security Council (PCI SSC) has created 12 information security standards for the payment card industry. The standard was created to increase the control on the cardholder data and reduce credit card frauds.
The standard is called Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). It includes the policies, procedures, network architecture, software design, security requirements and other protective requirements. If your business stores, transmits or processes cardholder data or sensitive authentication data then you will need the PCI DSS compliance.
There are companies that offer quality, risk and compliance services that help to make your business secure. A PCI DSS service provider can provide compliance and assessment services to your business. Once you are a PCI DSS compliant business you will have to regularly assess your business for data security.
PCI DSS certification
The scope of the audit is defined and all the business processes like Capture, Authorization, Settlement and Charge back are considered.
Qualified Security Assessors check the business based on the 12 standards for any gaps in business control. This will lead to cost forecasting and budget for the PCI compliance certification program. This process helps to find the areas that require immediate attention.
The security weaknesses in the business-critical environment are identified by doing scans and tests. The weaknesses are prioritised by the impact they can make on the business. Necessary actions are taken for closure.
Data Discovery tools are used to scan and get insights and patterns of the sensitive data stored in the business system. This helps to secure the business from any data breaches.
Depending on the results of the scan and the analysis remediation support and plans are suggested to the client. An off site audit is conducted if required.
After all the remediation support and the controls are implemented an onsite audit is conducted to validate them according to the standards. Once this is done the reports are provided to the client.
PCI DSS maintenance
Once you are a PCI compliant business you will have to assess your business quarterly or annually depending on your transaction volume. You will have to regularly monitor and test your network.
