Data Privacy Week is the perfect time to evaluate your data protection strategies, especially regarding PCI DSS compliance. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) isn't just about securing card transactions; it's also crucial for maintaining data privacy.

What is PCI DSS?

Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of information security standards developed by the major credit card issuers i.e., Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. It is a continuous process of assessing, remediating, and reporting, and is administered by the PCI Security Standards Council. PCI DSS’s main purpose is to serve organisations that either store, process, or transmit payment card data. These are mainly merchants, financial institutions, and point of sale vendors. PCI DSS is a vital component of a company’s security compliance landscape.

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Why should companies opt for a PCI DSS compliance standard?

PCI DSS is crucial for the security of banks, merchants, and payment service providers as it establishes trust with customers. Organisations that have failed to comply with PCI DSS requirements have been victims of large data breaches and thefts.

As a merchant or service provider, you must make sure that you are following the requirements of PCI DSS set out by the PCI Security Standards Council. 

What are the steps to become PCI DSS Compliant with Integrity360?

As per the requirements of the PCI Security Standards Council, companies need to get a PCI DSS assessment conducted annually depending on the level of compliance. In some instances, organisations will be required to have their compliance status externally verified. Integrity360’s Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) can assist businesses at all and every stage of their PCI DSS compliance journey.

The PCI DSS compliance process is standardized and defined in conjunction with the PCI Security Standards Council. With Integrity360, you can achieve your PCI DSS compliance certificate in three easy steps:

1. PCI DSS Scope Analysis Review

For many organisations, it can be challenging to identify the correct PCI DSS controls that are applicable and the systems that need to be protected. Before businesses make changes to protect their Cardholder Data (CHD), it is crucial to understand the scope of their compliance efforts. Integrity360’s PCI DSS Scope Analysis Review (SAR) Report helps to resolve this issue.

The report includes:

• PCI DSS scope description
• Applicability of scope reduction controls
• Further optimisation for more impact

2. PCI DSS Gap Analysis Review

Once the scope analysis is complete, the next step for organisations is to perform a PCI DSS Gap Analysis Review. Integrity360’s PCI DSS Gap Analysis Review defines a realistic and cost-efficient remediation program by helping uncover any security and compliance deficiencies or shortcomings.

Our consultants identify suitable remediation options through products, solutions, and outsourcing providers. Working with the organisation, Integrity360 identifies a prioritized roadmap to address any gaps in compliance.

Integrity360’s PCI DSS Preliminary Gap Analysis Review (GAR) Report includes:

• A detailed gap description and findings
• Compliance status report
• PCI DSS compliance project plan

3. PCI DSS Formal Assessment of Compliance

Merchants, service providers, issuers, or acquirers that store, process or transmit payment card information must demonstrate on an annual basis that they comply with the requirements and testing procedures of the Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Integrity360’s PCI DSS Formal Assessment of Compliance (FAC), includes:

• PCI DSS compliance audit report
• A Self-Assessment Questionnaire
• Attestation of Compliance (AoC)

Integrity360’s team of QSAs and customised solutions, support and help customers monitor their compliance easily and cost-effectively. We have been fortunate to work with some of the top experts in the industry.

At Integrity360, we promote a risk-based methodology that is supported by the card brands themselves. We work continuously to improve our service with our QSAs and work to provide innovative solutions that help merchants and retailers achieve PCI DSS compliance, on time, and on budget.