PCI Compliance Test: Ensure Your Business Meets PCI DSS Requirements

Every business that processes credit card transactions knows that security is important. But, when asked whether they actively test their systems for PCI DSS compliance, many often assume their payment processor has it covered. This assumption could later turn out to be costly.

PCI DSS compliance doesn’t mean you outsource your payment processing to a secure provider but actually protect every endpoint where cardholder data is stored and processed. Security gaps and vulnerabilities, along with other configurations, can lead to non-compliance and hefty fines.

If you’re not performing regular security and PCI compliance checks, you may be giving way to critical blind spots in your security posture.

Understanding PCI DSS Compliance Requirements

PCI DSS is a set of security standards designed to protect the users of cards and their financial information. It applies to all organizations that accept, store, process or transmit credit card information through their services or applications that work closely with payments. The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) is responsible for managing these standards and this compliance is enforced by the major credit card companies.

Key PCI DSS Requirements

1. Build a secure network by installing firewalls and avoid using default vendor-supplied passwords.
2. Protect the cardholder data by encrypting it at rest and in transit.
3. Maintain a vulnerability management program using anti-virus software and secure applications.
4. Implement strong access control measures by restricting access to cardholder data and assigning unique IDs for them all.
5. Regularly monitor all access to cardholder data and test the application for security gaps.
6. Ensure all security policies are documented and followed.

What Is A PCI Compliance Test?

A PCI compliance test is used to assess organizations and businesses that need PCI DSS requirements. It consists of a wide range of assessments, from compliance audits to vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.

Types of PCI Compliance Tests

1. Self Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) – This is a checklist-based test for businesses that handle a small value of financial transactions.
2. External Vulnerability Scans – These are performed by PCI-certified Approved Scanning Vendors (ASV) to test the applications to identify security gaps.
3. Internal Security Assessments – These are performed by the internal teams to run internal scans and audits to detect vulnerabilities.
4. Penetration Testing – These are also performed by PCI-certified, Approved Scanning Vendors that simulate the cyber attacks to identify weaknesses in the system.
5. Compliance Audits – These are conducted by a PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) that verifies that the organization and all its services are compliant towards PCI DSS compliance.

How To Perform a PCI Compliance Test?

1. Determine The PCI Level

PCI DSS categorizes businesses into four different levels of PCI compliance based on the amount of financial transaction volume they go through. The higher the level, the more stringent the assessments that include internal as well as external security audits and scans. Understanding the level of compliance you need determines the specific testing and reporting required for your organization.

2. Conduct a Self Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

The questionnaire is one of the most important steps in evaluating the compliance status of your organization. It is a set of questions tailored to various business types and payment processing methods. SAQs help the businesses identify security gaps and create a plan to address non-compliant areas of service.

3. Perform Vulnerability Scans

Conducting a detailed vulnerability scan allows you to identify security weaknesses in the network infrastructure and the applications. PCI ASVs conduct these scans and look for misconfigurations, outdated software, and potential entry points for attackers. Such scans are run quarterly, and changes to the network and mitigations are made to maintain compliance.

4. Conduct A Penetration Test

Unlike vulnerability scanning, penetration testing involves the exploitation of the security gaps found during the scanning phase and assesses their impact on your applications. Penetration tests simulate the real-world attacks and identifies vulnerabilities that can be exploited by the attackers. It is a test to check the strength of your defenses and how well they can withstand an attack.

5. Review and Address Security Gaps

Once all the scans and tests are completed, you should analyze the results and take steps toward mitigation. This involves implementing strong authentication methods, stronger encryption standards, updating firewalls, or training employees better. Address the vulnerabilities promptly, reduce the risk of data breaches and exploitation, and be compliant with the regulations.

6. Submit Compliance Documentation

Once you go through all the scans and tests and all issues are mitigated, you must submit the compliance reports depending on the PCI DSS level you are aiming for. This includes all the SAQs, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing reports. Sometimes, you might also need an Attestation of Compliance signed by a Qualified Security Assessor on an internal security officer.

Common PCI Compliance Failures

1. Applications using default and weak passwords or implementing weak password policies in their authentication systems.
2. Sensitive card and cardholder data is saved in the databases without strong encryption standards.
3. Running applications that have outdated software and known vulnerabilities in the third-party dependencies being used.
4. Poor overall network security with weak firewall rules and configurations and unprotected assets.
5. Employees mishandling sensitive user data due to lack of security awareness.

Best PCI ASVs For PCI Compliance Testing

PCI Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs) are certified by the PCI Security Standards Council to conduct the vulnerability scans and identify the risks within the network and applications. Choosing the right ASV is crucial as they do not just detect the gaps in compliance but also provide actionable insights for mitigating those. They guide you through the process of security testing for compliance and help you attain the security posture of a compliant organization.

1. Astra Security

Astra Security provides a comprehensive PCI compliance scanning solution with automated vulnerability assessments. It simplifies compliance by offering user-friendly dashboards and real-time threat detection. Their platform is designed to ensure that businesses can quickly identify and resolve security issues before they become major threats. Astra provides detailed PCI compliance-friendly reports that help you understand the security gaps that need to be taken care of to attain PCI compliance. 

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface with automated scanning
• Detailed reporting and real-time alerts
• 24/7 customer support and expert assistance

Limitations:

• It may be expensive for small businesses
• Limited customization options for advanced users

2. Qualys PCI Compliance

Qualys is a widely recognized ASV offering cloud-based vulnerability scanning and PCI DSS compliance management. Their solution provides automated scans and detailed remediation reports to help businesses meet compliance requirements efficiently.

Pros:

• Cloud-based platform with no installation required
• Automated compliance reporting and tracking
• Trusted by large enterprises

Limitations:

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Can be costly for smaller organizations

3. Tenable Inc

Tenable’s Nessus vulnerability scanner is a popular choice for PCI compliance testing. It provides in-depth vulnerability detection, configuration auditing, and compliance tracking to help businesses stay secure and compliant.

Pros:

• Highly accurate vulnerability scanning
• Wide range of compliance reporting options
• Supports multiple security frameworks beyond PCI DSS

Limitations:

• Requires technical expertise to set up and interpret results
• Pricing may be high for smaller businesses

4. ControlCase

ControlCase specializes in PCI DSS compliance and offers a full suite of services, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and compliance audits. Their expertise ensures that businesses receive thorough assessments and actionable recommendations to meet compliance requirements.

Pros:

• End-to-end PCI compliance solutions
• Expert consulting and remediation guidance
• Suitable for businesses of all sizes

Limitations:

• Can be expensive for startups
• Lengthy onboarding process

PCI Compliance Best Practices

1. Implement Strong Access Controls – Limit the access to the card holder data only to authorized users and enforce Multi-Factor Authentication for all critical systems.
2. Encrypt Cardholder Data – Use strong and latest encryption standards to encrypt the data in storage and in transit to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Regularly Update Security Measures – Ensure all the firewalls, software, and security patches are up to date and help protect against emerging threats.
4. Conduct Regular Security Testing – Schedule quarterly vulnerability scans and penetration tests to identify and mitigate security threats proactively.
5. Work With Trusted Compliance Partners – Use qualified vendors and ASVs to help assist with compliance and maintain security.
6. Train Employees on Security Awareness – Provide proper training to the employees on data security best practices and phishing prevention.

Final Thoughts

PCI compliance is a critical aspect of protecting customer data and ensuring secure payment transactions. Regular PCI compliance testing helps businesses identify vulnerabilities and meet industry standards. By using the right PCI ASVs like Astra Security, Qualys, or Control Case to assist and following the best practices, you can maintain proper PCI compliance, reducing the risk of fines and data breaches.