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Providing powerful assistance for the risk and compliance through PCI DSS Compliance

Any organization that stores, processes or transmits credit card data needs to abide by the technical and operational requirements specified by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). All organizations irrespective of their size have to follow these rules.

A PCI DSS readiness assessment (Gap Analysis), helps in the identification of flaws in the organization's current system and recommends proper controls to be implemented. It helps in better understanding of weakness and responding to rapidly evolving security compliance obligations. This helps the organization develop a strategy and plan to achieve compliance.

This readiness assessment makes it easy to pass through the Qualified Security Assessors audit of the system, policies and procedures, controls and other areas of the organization.


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Why is PCI DSS Compliance important?

 

Almost every organisation is at risk of fraud and identity theft with the increasing cybercrimes. Data breaches not only harm a business but the associated customers as well. Getting compliant will help in reducing costs, data breaches, prevention from fines, loss of customers' trust etc. 

 

 

What are the requirements of PCI DSS? 

 

PCI SSC sets both operational and technical requirements with the core focus to protect cardholder data. The 12 requirements are - 

 

1. Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data. 

2. Do not use default passwords for the system and other security parameters. 

3. Protect stored cardholder data. 

4. Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.

5. Use and regularly update anti-virus software  or programs

6. Develop and maintain secure systems and applications. 

7. Restrict access to cardholder data by businesses that need to know.

8. Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access.

9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data 

10. Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data. 

11. Regularly test security systems and processes.

12. Maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel. 

 

 

It is advised to define the PCI DSS scope. It is crucial to reduce the PCI DSS audit scope because it will determine the compliance costs, operational costs and risks associated.

Get our expert team to assist you today with your PCI DSS Compliance Preparedness. 

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Why PCI DSS Compliance?

Improved Security

Decreased security risk. Better cardholder data protection

Customer Relationship

Increased confidence of consumers in the services

More Profit

Improved trust brings loyalty and more profit to the company

Avoid Faults/Fines

Reduced data risk and hence no fines due to the data breach

More Adaptability

Prepares the business to comply with future regulations

What Illume Offers
  • 1. In-depth assessment to determine the organization's readiness.
    2. Assistance with planning and execution of the requirements.
    3. Scanning and testing of network and application infrastructure.
    4. Awareness training for the staff through workshops.
    5. Audits by qualified security assessor (QSA), ROC, AOC and SAQ guidance.
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FAQs
PCI DSS compliance consulting provides guidance and support to help an organization meet the requirements of the PCI DSS standard. Consultants assist in understanding the standards, conducting assessments, implementing security controls, and preparing for PCI DSS compliance validation.
The merchants, service providers and any other organisation that is involved in the payment card ecosystem needs to comply with PCI DSS compliance.
* Merchants - any entity that accepts payment cards bearing the logo of a PCI SSC participating payment brand as payment for goods and/or services.
* Service providers - entity directly involved in the processing, storage, or transmission of cardholder data on behalf of another entity.
* Organisation - can be both a merchant and a service provider.
An organisation should consider PCI DSS compliance consulting if it accepts payment cards (e.g., credit cards) as a form of payment, regardless of its size. Compliance is mandatory for all organisations that handle cardholder data and must be validated annually.
General steps for merchants to become PCI DSS compliant include, but may vary depending on specific situation -
1. Determine the PCI DSS validation type (defining requirements)
2. Address all requirements found in the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
3. Attest to the compliance annually
4. Complete and report quarterly results of all scans performed by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV)
The duration of PCI DSS compliance consulting depends on the organisation's size, the complexity of its cardholder data environment, and its current security posture. The process may take several weeks to a few months for completing.
A PCI DSS compliance consulting engagement usually involves the following steps:
1. Initial assessment and scoping of the cardholder data environment (CDE)
2. Gap analysis and identification of security vulnerabilities
3. Development of a remediation plan to address identified gaps
4. Assistance with implementing security controls and best practices
5. Pre-assessment readiness review
6. Support during the official PCI DSS compliance validation (e.g., self-assessment questionnaire or on-site audit)
While PCI DSS compliance consulting significantly improves the chances of a successful compliance validation, the ultimate responsibility for compliance lies with the organisation. The organisation must implement the necessary security measures and demonstrate ongoing adherence to the standard during the validation process.
The cost of PCI DSS consulting may vary based on various factors such as the size of the organisation, the complexity of the cardholder data environment, the level of guidance required, and the chosen consulting firm. We would suggest connecting with our experts to gain the complete idea for your specific requirements.
No, PCI DSS compliance is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing process that requires regular validation and continuous improvement. Organisations must maintain compliance throughout the year and undergo annual compliance assessments to ensure the security of cardholder data.
PCI DSS compliance involves assessing and confirming that the security controls and requirements are sufficiently met by the entity. It involves following professionals
1. Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) - PCI SSC certified independent security organisation to assess and validate an entity's adherence to PCI DSS.
2. Internal Security Assessor (ISA) - Organisation's employee assigned to perform internal assessments, recommend remediation solutions, and act as a liaison with external PCI DSS auditors.
3. Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) - qualified organisation to use a set of data security services and tools to determine if a company is compliant with PCI DSS external scanning requirements.
Any organisation handling credit card data, that fails to comply with PCI DSS is at risk of a number of financial and reputational consequences including -
1. Non-compliance Fees - a regular fine from the bank.
2. Inability to process payments.
3. Fines from the bank in the event of a breach.
4. Reputational damage in the event of a breach.
To help reduce risk and avoid penalties as a result of a breach or non-compliance, organisations must understand how they store, process, and transmit credit card data, and ensure that all applicable requirements of PCI DSS are in place.
No. PCI DSS v4.0 introduced its customised approach as an option for organisations to meet the security objective of a requirement rather than directly meeting the text. However, every applicable requirement must still be met for compliance with the standard.
Even though the credit card information is not stored, and still it may cause data security issues then yes PCI DSS applies to your organisation. The best part is the scope of your assessment will be commensurate with that impact. Here are some generalised examples of organisations that would still fall under PCI DSS
1. Service providers that manage firewalls.
2. Merchants who accept cardholder data using an iFrame.
3. Software developer that creates/develops bespoke payment software for a variety of customers.
Yes. PCI compliance doesn't require a connection to the Internet or even a computer system. PCI compliance determines how you store, handle, or process credit card information, whether the card information is in a locked filing cabinet or on the computer.
Yes, even if you are dealing with little data you must implement the PCI DSS in your processing environment.
Yes, call centres that store, process, transmit, or can impact the security of cardholder data are in-scope. Below are some common scenarios for reference -
1. Call centre staff manually enter card data into a website maintained by their clients. Though those calls are not recorded, you would still fall in scope for that manual entry.
2. Call centre staff facilitate taking card data, but cardholders enter data using their phone keypad. Though card details are not recorded, the systems turning tones into card numbers are in-scope. (Your staff could be exempt).
3. Call centre staff process payments using software maintained by the call centre. Both the systems and staff performing entry are in-scope.
The requirements of call centres may vary hence we would request you to connect with our experts.
Being non-compliant means you are more vulnerable to data compromise, and may also be fined by your merchant processor and/or the card brands for not validating PCI compliance.