{"id":22902,"date":"2022-09-22T19:00:59","date_gmt":"2022-09-22T13:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/?p=22902"},"modified":"2026-05-27T11:56:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T06:26:31","slug":"pci-compliance-scan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci\/pci-compliance-scan\/","title":{"rendered":"PCI Compliance Scan &#8211; The Basics, and the Best Tool (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e43a8917\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>PCI compliance scan<\/strong>, sometimes referred to as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci\/pci-asv-scan\/\">ASV (Approved Scanning Vendor) scan<\/a>, is an automated external vulnerability assessment of your website, server, or network to detect security weaknesses that could expose payment card data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Frequent scans keep your business running smoothly:<\/strong> Quarterly scans and yearly penetration tests find and fix security issues before they cause suspension\/fine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Not all payment flows need the same level of scrutiny:<\/strong> If you use a third-party iframe or redirect to collect card data, you only need basic SAQ-A compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Importance of choosing the right scanning partner:<\/strong> Find a PCI-SSC-certified provider that offers precise detection, clear remediation, strong credentials, and seamless integration with your existing tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Proactive scanning saves money and prepares you for future audits:<\/strong> Automated quarterly scans not only protect customer data and prevent downtime, but also streamline SOC2 or HIPAA audits by continuously looking through your security posture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.koreatimes.co.kr\/business\/banking-finance\/20260409\/lotte-card-given-prior-notice-of-penalty-over-massive-data-breach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">In April 2026<\/a>, Lotte Card (one of the largest credit card issuers in South Korea) exposed payment card details of 280,000 customers in a breach that affected close to 3 million people. They had active vulnerabilities from 2017 and insufficient encryption. Lotte\u2019s potential fines amount to $57.7 million. The data compromised was exactly what PCI DSS was designed to protect.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The problem here is that environments are changing at a rapid pace, and compliance cycles simply can&#8217;t keep up. Irrespective of your last scan being clean, third-party plugin updates, new integrations, and code have been shipped since then. And now your current environment no longer resembles the one that was tested. This is a costly repercussion that affects organizations from time to time. With<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/reports\/data-breach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> data breaches costing companies an average of $4.88 million<\/a> and PCI non-compliance fines reaching up to $100,000 per month, there is a significant threat at stake. The challenge here is navigating a complex set of PCI scanning requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_PCI_Compliance_Scan\"><\/span>What is a PCI Compliance Scan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCI compliance scans are required for PCI DSS compliance (recommended by the PCI SSC) if your business accepts credit card data. PCI-DSS compliance requires a minimum of four internal and four external scans per year, and one penetration test. A<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci\/pci-vulnerability-scan\/\"> PCI compliance vulnerability scan<\/a> serves two purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Locates vulnerabilities that could put your business and customers at risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps bring you closer to PCI-DSS compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-011ab458\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Pro Tip: Not all payment methods require PCI scans. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/sysadmin\/comments\/szf940\/comment\/hy38ru5\/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web3x&amp;utm_name=web3xcss&amp;utm_term=1&amp;utm_content=share_button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">If customers enter card details on a third-party page (iframe\/redirect), you only need basic compliance<\/a> (SAQ-A) with no scanning. But, if card data touches your website\/servers, you will need quarterly vulnerability scans.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is PCI-DSS?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCI-DSS, or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, aims to standardize the security policies, procedures, and controls implemented by companies that collect, store, and transmit payment cardholder data. It provides comprehensive standards and structured guidelines that organizations must follow to keep cardholder data safe at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCI-DSS was developed by the PCI-SSC, a private council of five payment card brands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mastercard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discover Financial Services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>American Express<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JCB International<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>PCI DSS 4.0 Update: In the update, penetration testing is now required annually and after any significant change to the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE), such as network upgrades, new applications, or cloud migrations.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does your organization need a PCI Compliance Scan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your organization collects, stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data, you will need a PCI compliance scan. In simpler terms, if your website has a payment form or could potentially handle cardholder data, you require the scan, regardless of the size of the entity or volume of transactions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci\/pci-compliance-fee\/\">Non-compliance fines<\/a> could range from $5,000 to $100,000 per month, or even result in suspension of payment processing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-0d16e733\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-5c89a587\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b9454617 gb-headline-text\">See Astra\u2019s continuous Pentest platform in action.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c6f37f68\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-c5f2ad3e gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/astra.sh\/product-demo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Take a Product Tour<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_Types_of_PCI_Compliance_Scans\"><\/span><strong>What are the Types of PCI Compliance Scans?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCI scans have been classified into 3 categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. External PCI Scanning: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scans the public-facing ends of your domain, such as networks and IP addresses, which need to be scanned regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Internal PCI Scanning: <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scanning takes place within the internal environment of your assets to check for properly managed and functioning workflows and procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Application PCI Scanning: <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Web-facing applications, such as websites or mobile applications, are scanned to detect any vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_Penetration_Testing_Steps_in_a_PCI_Compliance_Vulnerability_Scan\"><\/span><strong><strong>What are the Penetration Testing Steps in a PCI Compliance Vulnerability Scan<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"752\" height=\"588\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/04\/ae943690-screenshot-2026-04-13-at-5.18.11-pm.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46608\" style=\"width:494px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Scoping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defining the scope is the first step before actually starting penetration testing. Scope determines the limitations and rules of the testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Reconnaissance &amp; Discovery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This step includes gathering information about the target network. The data collected during this step can be used to determine the attack vectors. It also involves identifying all hosts in the target network and their respective services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Exploitation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pentesters now try to exploit vulnerabilities in the available services to get unauthorized access to the target system. Exploitation can take multiple forms, including DoS attacks, SQL injections, or buffer overflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Reporting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final step in the penetration testing process is reporting all findings to the organization. The report would include detailed information on the network vulnerabilities found, their potential impacts, and remediation recommendations. This is crucial for understanding how to successfully pass the PCI compliance scan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 5: Re-scanning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After vulnerability remediation, a rescan confirms that the identified issues have been properly addressed, and your systems now meet PCI compliance scan requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_PCI-DSS_Compliance_Requirements\"><\/span>12 PCI-DSS Compliance Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Listed below are the 12 requirements put forth by the PCI SSC (Payment Card Industry Standards Council) to meet PCI-DSS compliance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maintain firewall configuration to protect customer credit card data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid using vendor-set default passwords.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect customers\u2019 credit card information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encrypt customers&#8217; credit card information over public networks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set up antivirus software in place and ensure it\u2019s kept up to date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limited access to credit card information on a need-to-know basis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build unique IDs for everyone with computer access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restrict physical access to customer credit card data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test and monitor network and credit card data regularly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test your security systems and processes frequently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain policies addressing data security for all employees.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_Benefits_of_Having_Regular_PCI_Compliance_Scans\"><\/span>What are the Benefits of Having Regular PCI Compliance Scans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The advantages of using a PCI compliance checker every quarter or whenever there is a major software change are quite straightforward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You help your business obtain PCI DSS compliance while protecting your customers\u2019 data by finding and fixing vulnerabilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Without security risks lurking around, you can run your operations in peace<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save a bunch of money and save your business from downtime by being proactive about security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid financial loss and damage to brand reputation from penalties for failing to maintain security standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps prepare for other compliance audits like SOC2 and HIPAA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bottom line is that you cannot run a successful business that collects and processes payment card data without a quarterly PCI compliance scan.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1239\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/04\/b0840812-image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46609\" style=\"width:770px;height:auto\" srcset=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/04\/b0840812-image.png 2048w, \/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,height=929,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/04\/b0840812-image.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_PCI_SSC_help_businesses_become_compliance-ready\"><\/span>Does the PCI SSC help businesses become compliance-ready?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PCI SSC makes it quite easy for businesses to get compliance-ready. They provide you with a lot of resources to maintain the standards, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lists of Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payment Application Qualified Security Assessors (PA-QSAs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internal Security Assessor (ISA) education program<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On top of these, you also get self-assessment questionnaires to help you evaluate your overall security posture.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>\n\n.ctaSaasWrap{\n  padding:35px;\n  border: 6px;\n  background-image: url('https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/08\/838dc804-smallimgicbg.png');\n  background-size: cover;\n  background-repeat: no-repeat;\n  position: relative;\n  background-position: right;\n  height: 275px;\n  border-radius: 10px;\n  margin: 20px 0px; \n}\n\n.pentestHeading{\n  color: #575757;\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  color: #575757;\n  max-width: 450px;\n}\n\n.ctaSaasHead {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    grid-gap: 1rem;\n}\n\n.ctaOne {\n    text-decoration: none;\n    background-color: #2F76F8;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    padding: 10px 25px;\n    border-radius: 6px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n}\n\n.ctaTwo {\n    text-decoration: none;\n    background-color: #24BC94;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    padding: 10px 25px;\n    border-radius: 6px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n}\n\n.spanBoldBlue {\n    color: #3078FE;\n    font-weight: 700;\n}\n\n.ctaSaasImg{\n  position: absolute;\n  bottom: 0px;\n  right: 10px;\n  height: 250px;\n  width: 240px;\n}\n\n@media(max-width: 768px){\n\n}\n\n@media(max-width: 576px){\n   .pentestHeading{\n      font-size: 28px;\n    }\n\n   .ctaSaasImg{\n     display: none;\n   }\n}\n\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"ctaSaasWrap\">\n  <p class=\"pentestHeading\">Make your SaaS Platform the <span class=\"spanBoldBlue\">safest place on the Internet.<\/span><\/p>\n  <p style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5;\">With our detailed and specially <br \/> curated SaaS security checklist.<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"ctaSaasHead\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/astra.sh\/saas-security-checklist\" class=\"ctaOne\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download Checklist<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/08\/96ad3cf0-girlcta.png\" alt=\"character\" class=\"ctaSaasImg\" \/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Astra_Should_be_Your_Go-to_Choice_for_PCI_Compliance_Scan\"><\/span>Why Astra Should be Your Go-to Choice for PCI Compliance Scan&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to section 11 of the PCI DSS, your organization needs vulnerability scans every quarter or whenever there are significant changes to your software. These scans are to be done by a PCI-approved scanning vendor<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci\/pci-service-provider\/\"> <\/a>(ASV). You cannot conduct these scans internally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scanner or<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/security-audit\/vapt-india\/\"> VAPT company<\/a> you employ for this task plays a huge role in the smooth operation of the audit. And for this, Astra is highly likely to stand out as the comprehensive solution for modern enterprises. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1238\" height=\"842\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/07\/18ef869b-astras-vapt-dashboard.png\" alt=\"Astra's VAPT platform's dashboard\" class=\"wp-image-39735\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Features:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pentest Capabilities: Web and Mobile Applications, Cloud Infrastructure, API, and Networks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manual Pentest: Yes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accuracy: Vetted scans for zero false positives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scan Behind Logins: Yes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance: PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, ISO 27001, and CERT-IN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost: Starting at $69 per month for DAST scanners and $1999 per year for pentesting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Best for: PCI compliance scans, vulnerability assessments, and manual &amp; automated penetration testing across multiple digital assets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/pentesting\/ai\">Astra\u2019s pentest platform<\/a> combines automated scans and manual tests to deliver thorough PCI compliance vulnerability assessments. Astra is also a PCI ASV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With 15,000+ vetted test cases covering<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/security-audit\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-owasp-top-10\/\"> OWASP<\/a>, NIST, and SANS 25 vulnerabilities, it identifies both emerging and existing security flaws that could hinder your PCI DSS compliance. The platform\u2019s zero false positives approach ensures your team focuses on real issues, not phantom vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How does Astra help with PCI Compliance Scans?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simply enter your site URL, select PCI-DSS from the compliance regulations list, and run your PCI compliance scan. The scanner identifies specific vulnerabilities that block your compliance, providing clear guidance on resource allocation for remediation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expert-vetted results, combined with detailed reporting, help businesses understand exactly what needs fixing when scanning websites for PCI compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/contact-us\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1408\" height=\"584\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/04\/a67257f0-astra-security-certificates.png\" alt=\"Astra Security Certificates\" class=\"wp-image-38550\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Factors_In_Choosing_The_Right_PCI_Compliance_Vulnerability_Scan_Partner\"><\/span><strong>Factors In Choosing The Right PCI Compliance Vulnerability Scan Partner<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selecting the right partner for your PCI compliance vulnerability scan is crucial for maintaining security standards. Here are the five essential factors to evaluate while choosing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Accuracy In Detection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scanning tool should identify vulnerabilities with minimal false positives while identifying real security threats. Consider partners who use up-to-date CVE databases and multiple scanning techniques, including authenticated scans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Credentialed scans test configurations in-depth and significantly reduce false positives. This accuracy is vital when you need to scan websites for PCI compliance without wasting resources on phantom issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Compliance Standards (ASV Status &amp; PCI DSS 4.0 Ready)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For valid external vulnerability scans, your vendor must be a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci\/pci-asv-scan\/\"> PCI SSC-approved scanning vendor<\/a> (ASV). Since PCI DSS 4.0 now requires internal authenticated scans (11.3.1.2), opt for a partner that can perform both external and internal scans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is crucial because non-ASV vendors cannot provide the formal attestation reports required for compliance validation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Remediation Support &amp; Reporting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detailed, actionable reports distinguish exceptional ASVs from basic scan providers. Quality reports include<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/security-audit\/penetration-testing-report\/\"> CVE IDs, CVSS scores, affected assets, and clear remediation guidance<\/a> with specific patch versions and configuration fixes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best partners provide separate remediation reports, filtering out low-risk noise to focus on critical issues.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1250\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/04\/36536e36-image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46606\" style=\"width:752px;height:auto\" srcset=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/04\/36536e36-image.png 2048w, \/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,height=938,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/04\/36536e36-image.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Experience &amp; Certifications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose partners with a proven track record in financial services and payment processing. Certifications like OSCP, GPEN, and IT health check certification reflect strong experience with PCI scanning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, organizations with ISO 27001 or SOC 2 Type II certifications demonstrate that they secure client data through effective internal controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Scalability &amp; Integration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your scanning solution must handle enterprise-scale environments across cloud and traditional networks. Your partner should offer API access, CI\/CD integration, and compatibility with your existing security tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This integration capability is important for companies seeking to assess for PCI compliance across multiple environments while maintaining operational efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>\n\n.ctaaBlockchainWrap{\n  padding:35px;\n  border: 6px;\n  background-image: url('https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/09\/4ac747ff-greenbg.png');\n  background-size: cover;\n  background-repeat: no-repeat;\n  position: relative;\n  background-position: right;\n  height: 100%;\n  border-radius: 10px;\n  margin: 20px 0px; \n}\n\n.pentestHeading{\n  color: #575757;\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  color: #575757;\n  max-width: 450px;\n}\n\n.ctaaBlockchainHead {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    grid-gap: 1rem;\n}\n\n.ctaOne {\n    text-decoration: none;\n    background-color: #2F76F8;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    padding: 10px 25px;\n    border-radius: 6px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n}\n\n.ctaTwo {\n    text-decoration: none;\n    background-color: #24BC94;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    padding: 10px 25px;\n    border-radius: 6px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n}\n\n.spanBoldBlue {\n    color: #3078FE;\n    font-weight: 700;\n}\n\n.ctaaBlockchainImg{\n  position: absolute;\n  bottom: 0px;\n  right: 10px;\n  height: 250px;\n  width: 240px;\n}\n\n@media(max-width: 768px){\n\n}\n\n@media(max-width: 576px){\n   .pentestHeading{\n      font-size: 28px;\n    }\n\n   .ctaaBlockchainImg{\n     display: none;\n   }\n}\n\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"ctaaBlockchainWrap\">\n  <p class=\"pentestHeading\">No other pentest product combines <span class=\"spanBoldBlue\">automated scanning + expert guidance like we do.<\/span> <\/p>\n  <p style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5;\">Discuss your security <br \/> needs &#038; get started today!<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"ctaaBlockchainHead\">\n    <a href=\"\/contact-us\" class=\"ctaOne\">Schedule your call<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/09\/4b5722b6-girlone.png\" alt=\"character\" class=\"ctaaBlockchainImg\" \/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Often_Must_PCI_Compliance_Vulnerability_Scans_Be_Performed\"><\/span><strong>How Often Must PCI Compliance Vulnerability Scans Be Performed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since PCI compliance vulnerability scans are much more cost-effective, they can be conducted more frequently than a pentest, e.g., weekly, daily, or monthly. It is mandated by PCI-DSS that at least 4 PCI compliance vulnerability scans, i.e., one vulnerability scan every 90 days, should be carried out in a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, the best practice would be to conduct more frequent PCI compliance vulnerability scans while maintaining the mandatory yearly PCI pentest to ensure a smoother path to PCI compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Different_PCI_Compliance_Levels\"><\/span><strong>What Are The Different PCI Compliance Levels?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compliance levels (for merchants) are categorized into 4 levels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-219\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-219 column1-color\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Level<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Description (Transactions\/Year)<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">PCI DSS Validation Requirements<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Level 1<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Over 6 Million transactions per year<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Annual on-site assessment by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or internal audit by executive, plus quarterly Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) scans and submission of an Attestation of Compliance.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Level 2<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1-6 Million transactions per year<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Annual Self-assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and quarterly external scans by an ASV.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Level 3<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">20,000-1 Million e-commerce transactions per year<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Annual SAQ and quarterly ASV scans<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Level 4<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Fewer than 20.000 e-commerce transactions (or up to 1 Million total)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Requirements vary by acquirer; typically, at a minimum, an annual SAQ is required. Some Level 4 merchants may still need quarterly scans if they handle card data online.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-219 from cache -->\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each level requires different validation approaches, but all levels must maintain the core 12 PCI-DSS requirements and perform appropriate scanning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><strong><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The compliance requirements for PCI-DSS are incredibly detailed and, to an extent, strict. Preparing for a PCI DSS audit is a serious task, and having a reliable partner in your corner always helps.<br><br>Note that PCI DSS also includes a penetration testing component. Depending on the type of your business, you may be required to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/contact-us\"> conduct a penetration test<\/a> once or twice a year. Working with a provider that handles both vulnerability scanning and manual pentesting under one roof saves time and ensures what gets tested actually reflects your environment today. Because the real lesson from Lotte Card is not mere lack of compliance awareness, it is vulnerabilities that went unaddressed for years, while the environment kept changing, and the testing didn&#8217;t keep pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1663852547910\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does a PCI compliance scan ensure PCI DSS compliance?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. As per PCI DSS regulations, any business that collects and processes payment card information requires regular internal and external vulnerability scans as part of the compliance requirements. But compliance with PCI DSS also depends on several other factors.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1663852696706\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is penetration testing needed for PCI compliance?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, PCI DSS requires all organizations with systems, applications, and networks that process or store credit card information to conduct penetration testing. It helps identify attack vectors beyond standard vulnerability scans and is an important part of validating the security of the entire cardholder data environment.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1663852944837\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the cost of a PCI compliance scan?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The cost of a PCI compliance scan depends on the number of assets, scan scope, and testing requirements. For a single application, pricing starts at $69 per month for automated scans and $1,999 per year for penetration testing.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1776830893665\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is a compliance scan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A compliance scan is an automated assessment that examines your systems, applications, websites, networks, and integrations to ensure they are in accordance with regulations, policies, and standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1776830913282\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is the PCI compliance scan process?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>To complete a PCI compliance scan, it is mandatory to perform quarterly external assessments conducted by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) to identify security gaps in any part of your system that transmits or stores cardholder data. The process can be classified into four simple steps: reporting identified vulnerabilities, remediation, rescan, and maintaining documentation to meet PCI DSS requirements.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1776830930582\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is a PCI compliance checklist?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The PCI compliance checklist is based on the 12 PCI DSS requirements. They are:<br \/>1. Install and maintain network security controls<br \/>2. Apply secure configurations to all system components<br \/>3. Protect stored account data<br \/>4. Protect cardholder data with strong cryptography\u00a0<br \/>5. Protect all systems and networks from malicious software<br \/>6. Develop and maintain secure systems and software<br \/>7. Restrict access to system components and cardholder data\u00a0<br \/>8. Identify users and authenticate access to system components<br \/>9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data<br \/>10. Log and monitor all access to system components and cardholder data<br \/>11. Test the security of systems and networks regularly<br \/>12. Support information security with organizational policies and programs<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways In April 2026, Lotte Card (one of the largest credit card issuers in South Korea) exposed payment card details of 280,000 customers in a breach that affected close to 3 million people. They had active vulnerabilities from 2017 and insufficient encryption. Lotte\u2019s potential fines amount to $57.7 million. The data compromised was exactly &#8230; <a title=\"PCI Compliance Scan &#8211; The Basics, and the Best Tool (2026)\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci\/pci-compliance-scan\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about PCI Compliance Scan &#8211; The Basics, and the Best Tool (2026)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":37844,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[700],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22902","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pci"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22902","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22902"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22902\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47193,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22902\/revisions\/47193"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22902"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22902"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22902"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}