Prepare your payment environment for PCI DSS.
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) sets security requirements for any organization that stores, processes or transmits cardholder data. Seraph helps organizations assess current state, close control gaps and prepare for formal validation by an accredited assessor.
Understanding PCI DSS.
What It Is
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a mandatory security standard for any organization that stores, processes or transmits cardholder data, established by the major card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, JCB) through the PCI Security Standards Council.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance isn't hypothetical — it carries direct financial consequences set by the card networks and enforced through your acquiring bank, on top of any breach costs and reputational damage.
- Published by
- PCI Security Standards Council
- Current edition
- PCI DSS v4.0.1
- Type
- Mandatory for card-data handlers
- Enforced by
- Card networks / acquiring banks
- Applies to
- Any merchant or service provider handling card data
12 requirements across 6 goals.
Secure Network
Install and maintain network security controls; secure configurations.
Protect Card Data
Protect stored cardholder data; encrypt transmission across open networks.
Vulnerability Management
Protect against malware; develop and maintain secure systems and software.
Access Control
Restrict access by business need-to-know; identify and authenticate access.
Monitor & Test
Log and monitor all access; test security systems and processes regularly.
Security Policy
Maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel.
From current state to validation-ready.
A structured path from scoping your cardholder data environment to preparing for formal validation.
Understand Your Scope
Determine which systems fall within your cardholder data environment.
Assess Current State
Evaluate existing controls against the standard's requirements.
Identify Control Gaps
Document gaps between current practice and the standard, rated by risk and remediation effort.
Implement Required Controls
Put in place network segmentation, encryption, access control and other required safeguards.
Organise Evidence
Compile the documentation and evidence a validation process requires.
Prepare for Formal Validation
Get ready for assessment by a Qualified Security Assessor or your applicable self-assessment process. This formal validation step is performed by an accredited assessor, not by Seraph.
Technology supporting this solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to start your PCI DSS readiness journey?
Tell us about your cardholder data environment and target timeline. Our team will help scope a readiness engagement.