{"id":27195,"date":"2023-08-24T17:27:35","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T11:57:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/?p=27195"},"modified":"2026-05-29T10:14:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T04:44:43","slug":"pci-service-provider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci\/pci-service-provider\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 PCI DSS Compliance Service Providers (2026 List)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every time a card is swiped, tapped, or entered online, an invisible exchange occurs, not just of money, but of trust and risk. In 2026, as digital payments power global commerce, cybercriminals are evolving just as fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) was created to protect this trust by securing cardholder data. However, today, compliance alone is no longer enough. Choosing the right PCI compliance service provider is crucial for staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats, particularly as attack surfaces expand across cloud, APIs, mobile apps, and third-party tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_You_Look_for_in_a_PCI_Service_Provider\"><\/span>What Should You Look for in a PCI Service Provider?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci-qsa-companies\/\">PCI compliance company<\/a> offers certified ASV tools, expert remediation, and clear compliance reporting tailored to your tech stack, business size, and regulatory needs. The right partner helps you stay both secure and audit-ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re a growing business or operate in a regulated industry, prioritize providers that offer both automated and manual testing, responsive customer support, and integration with your existing security tools. Bonus points for those who simplify audit reporting and help with long-term compliance strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Best_PCI_DSS_Compliance_Service_Providers_in_2026\"><\/span>5 Best PCI DSS Compliance Service Providers in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#astra\">Astra<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#auditboard\">AuditBoard<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#netwrix\">Netwrix Auditor<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#bluehost\">Bluehost<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#liquid\">Liquid Web<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#qualys\">Qualys PCI Compliance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#control\">ControlScan (Now part of Eden Data)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<style>\n.newctaWrapper{\n  background-color: #f8f2e4; \n  padding: 40px;\n  border-radius: 10px;\n  margin: 20px 0px; \n}\n\n.ctaHead{\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  grid-gap: 1rem;\n}\n\n.newctaHeading{\n  font-size: 36px;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.1;\n  margin-bottom: 0px;\n  color: #403F3E;\n}\n\n.spanBold{\n  color: #164DB3;\n  font-weight: 700;\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.ctaOne:hover{\n  color:#fff;\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.ctaTwo:hover{\n  color:#fff;\n}\n\n.ctaBody{\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: flex-end;\n  grid-gap: 1rem;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  color: #403F3E;\n}\n\n.ctoImg{\n  height: 344px; \n  width: 300px;\n}\n\n@media(max-width: 768px){\n\n}\n\n@media(max-width: 576px){\n  .ctaBody{\n    flex-direction: column;\n  }\n\n  .ctoImg{\n     display: none;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"newctaWrapper\">\n  <div class=\"ctaHead\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/08\/ceb80994-shield.png\" height=\"74\" width=\"70\" alt=\"shield\" \/>\n    <p class=\"newctaHeading\">Why is Astra Vulnerability Scanner the Best Scanner?\n\n<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"ctaBody\">\n   <div>\n    <ul style=\"margin: 40px 0px 40px 20px;\">\n      <li>We\u2019re the only company that\u00a0<span class=\"spanBold\">combines automated &#038; manual pentest<\/span>\u00a0to create a one-of-a-kind pentest platform.<\/li>\n      <li>Vetted scans ensure<span class=\"spanBold\">\u00a0zero false positives.<\/span><\/li>\n      <li>Our intelligent <span class=\"spanBold\">vulnerability scanner emulates hacker behavior<\/span>\u00a0&#038; evolves with every pentest.<\/li>\n      <li>Astra\u2019s scanner helps you shift left by integrating with your CI\/CD.<\/li>\n      <li>Our platform helps you\u00a0<span class=\"spanBold\">uncover, manage &#038; fix<\/span>\u00a0vulnerabilities in one place.<\/li>\n      <li>Trusted by the brands\u00a0<span class=\"spanBold\">you trust<\/span>\u00a0like Agora, Spicejet, Muthoot, Dream11, etc.<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <div class=\"ctaHead\">\n      <a href=\"\/contact-us\" class=\"ctaOne\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Let\u2019s Talk<\/a>\n      <a href=\"\/pricing\" class=\"ctaTwo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Started<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div>\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/08\/b262d665-cto.png\" height: \"344\" width\"320\" alt=\"cto\" class=\"ctoImg\" \/>\n   <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">According to the 2022 cybercrime report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the projected expense associated with cybercrime is expected to reach&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cybersecurityventures.com\/cybercrime-to-cost-the-world-8-trillion-annually-in-2023\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$8 trillion<\/a>&nbsp;in 2023, and this figure is anticipated to further increase to $10.5 trillion by&nbsp;<\/span>2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As cybercriminals continue to refine their techniques and exploit vulnerabilities, businesses face increasing pressure to strengthen their defenses and adopt rigorous PCI DSS compliance measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this blog post, we\u2019ll delve into the features, advantages, and disadvantages of the five top <strong>PCI service providers<\/strong> in 2026. Remember, the PCI service provider you choose can play a significant role in maintaining your business\u2019s credibility and secure operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_5_PCI_DSS_Compliance_Service_Providers_in_2026\"><\/span>Top 5 PCI DSS Compliance Service Providers in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"astra\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Astra Security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1648\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/08\/00cf96ec-astra-dashboard.png\" alt=\"Astra dashboard\" class=\"wp-image-33736\" srcset=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/08\/00cf96ec-astra-dashboard.png 1999w, \/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,height=1266,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/08\/00cf96ec-astra-dashboard.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pentest Capacity:<\/strong> Scan web apps, APIs, and cloud systems for over 13,000+ CVEs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Real-Time Threat Detection:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Auto Secure Code Review:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compliance:<\/strong> PCI-DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, SOC2, ISO 27001<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> Starts at $1999 per annum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Suited For:<\/strong> All-in-one PCI compliance and continuous website security<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Astra\u2019s PCI Compliance Scanner tops the PCI service provider list as it&#8217;s a holistic security solution designed to help businesses pass their PCI DSS audits without friction. From frontend assets to backend infrastructure, Astra\u2019s scanner digs deep to detect vulnerabilities and compliance gaps in real-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond the automated scans, Astra, as one of the most sought after PCI DSS service providers, delivers detailed, human-readable reports and expert guidance to help your team address threats fast. Combined with code analysis, firewall protection, and continuous monitoring, Astra helps you stay ahead of breaches, not just compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Intuitive dashboard with easy-to-understand reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Responsive expert support to resolve vulnerabilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Covers frontend, backend, and API endpoints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Built-in secure code review and threat detection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>More expensive than simpler scanners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feature-rich platform may overwhelm non-technical users<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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<h3 id=\"auditboard\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. AuditBoard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1854\" height=\"1112\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/06\/1162d06d-auditboard.png\" alt=\"auditboard pci service provider\" class=\"wp-image-39223\" srcset=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/06\/1162d06d-auditboard.png 1854w, \/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,height=921,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/06\/1162d06d-auditboard.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1854px) 100vw, 1854px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pentest Capacity:<\/strong> Not applicable (Compliance-focused, not vulnerability scanning)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>API Vulnerability Scanner:<\/strong> No<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Access Control Scanning:<\/strong> No<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compliance:<\/strong> SOX, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> Custom pricing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Suited For:<\/strong> Enterprise audit and compliance management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AuditBoard brings audit management and compliance tracking under one powerful, user-friendly interface. Tailored for enterprises, it automates PCI-related audits, tracks policies, and offers real-time dashboards for actionable insights, helping reduce risk while saving compliance teams hours of manual work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its robust framework lets teams collaborate across departments, simplifying audit workflows and streamlining evidence collection. Though it\u2019s not a vulnerability scanner, it plays a key role in maintaining and demonstrating PCI compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Streamlined audit workflows across departments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dashboards for real-time PCI compliance tracking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Centralized policy and evidence management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not focused on active threat detection or scanning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limited customization options for smaller organizations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"netwrix\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Netwrix Auditor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"420\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/06\/ceb13967-netwrix-auditor.jpg\" alt=\"netwrix\" class=\"wp-image-39222\" style=\"width:880px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pentest Capacity:<\/strong> Not applicable (Monitoring-focused)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>API Vulnerability Scanner:<\/strong> No<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Access Control Scanning:<\/strong> Yes (via behavior monitoring)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compliance:<\/strong> PCI-DSS, HIPAA, NIST, GDPR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> Custom pricing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Suited For:<\/strong> Continuous IT visibility and audit trails<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Netwrix Auditor is built for IT teams that want deep visibility into user activity and system configurations. Rather than just focusing on endpoint vulnerabilities, Netwrix helps organizations detect insider threats, analyze audit trails, and generate PCI-ready reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its strength lies in proactive behavior analysis and advanced search capabilities, giving compliance officers and security teams the ability to identify risky actions before they become data breaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ideal for forensic audits and user activity monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps fulfill PCI logging and evidence requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Granular visibility into system changes and access controls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Requires technical familiarity to configure and use fully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enterprise-level deployments may need significant IT support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"bluehost\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Bluehost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1317\" height=\"606\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/06\/94f8f64c-bluehost.png\" alt=\"bluehost pci service provider\" class=\"wp-image-39221\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pentest Capacity:<\/strong> Not applicable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>API Vulnerability Scanner:<\/strong> No<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Access Control Scanning:<\/strong> No<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compliance:<\/strong> PCI-DSS (with manual configuration)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> Starts at ~$35\/month (hosting plans)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Suited For:<\/strong> Small eCommerce sites using WooCommerce\/WordPress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bluehost meets most PCI service provider requirements through its hosting infrastructure, particularly suited for eCommerce businesses using WordPress and WooCommerce. With built-in security layers and 24\/7 customer support, Bluehost makes it possible for smaller businesses to clear PCI scans with the right setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While not a pentesting solution, Bluehost offers a helpful starting point for new or growing online stores to establish a secure, compliant environment, without hiring in-house security teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Budget-friendly PCI-ready hosting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>WooCommerce compatibility with WordPress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excellent customer support for configuration and issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Limited speed and server control at lower-tier plans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security features need to be manually configured for full PCI compliance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"liquid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Liquid Web<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1722\" height=\"952\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/06\/b2f2144d-liquid-web.png\" alt=\"liquid web pci service provider\" class=\"wp-image-39220\" srcset=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/06\/b2f2144d-liquid-web.png 1722w, \/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,height=849,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2025\/06\/b2f2144d-liquid-web.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1722px) 100vw, 1722px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pentest Capacity:<\/strong> Not included, but integrates with scanning services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>API Vulnerability Scanner:<\/strong> No<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Access Control Scanning:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compliance:<\/strong> PCI-DSS, HIPAA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> Custom pricing (based on hosting configuration)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Suited For:<\/strong> High-compliance hosting with technical support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Liquid Web offers PCI-compliant hosting tailored to organizations that need both security and customization. From quarterly ASV scans to up-to-date server patching and technical review by certified professionals, their service is built for reliability and audit-readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This provider is ideal for businesses that want full control over their hosting stack without compromising on compliance. With dedicated IP protection, advanced vulnerability management, and optional HIPAA coverage, Liquid Web is geared toward serious security buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Advanced infrastructure hardening for compliance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dedicated PCI technical review and scan management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Threat intelligence-driven monitoring and patching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher cost than shared or unmanaged hosting options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add-ons like backups and WAF incur additional fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"qualys\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <strong>Qualys PCI Compliance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3840\" height=\"2615\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/06\/f393fcb7-qualys-dashboard.png\" alt=\"qualys dashboard\" class=\"wp-image-32041\" srcset=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/06\/f393fcb7-qualys-dashboard.png 3840w, \/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,height=1046,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/06\/f393fcb7-qualys-dashboard.png 1536w, \/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2048,height=1395,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2024\/06\/f393fcb7-qualys-dashboard.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3840px) 100vw, 3840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pentest Capacity:<\/strong> Performs PCI ASV scans with automatic remediation insights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>API Vulnerability Scanner:<\/strong> No (available in other Qualys modules)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Access Control Scanning:<\/strong> Limited (via asset tracking and configuration checks)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compliance:<\/strong> PCI-DSS (ASV certified)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> Starts at ~$995 per IP per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Suited For:<\/strong> Businesses needing automated PCI ASV scans and reporting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qualys PCI Compliance is a trusted name among enterprises for meeting PCI DSS requirements. As an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), Qualys offers a user-friendly platform for conducting certified PCI scans, identifying vulnerabilities, and tracking remediation progress, all with clear dashboards and guided workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s particularly suited for IT teams looking for a self-service tool to pass quarterly PCI scans. While it doesn\u2019t offer manual pentesting or deep behavioral analytics, its scanning engine is powerful, accurate, and designed for audit-readiness at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Official ASV scans with automated compliance workflows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy-to-understand reports for auditors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trusted enterprise-grade security platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not ideal for businesses seeking hands-on security consulting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limited coverage for dynamic or complex application environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"control\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <strong>ControlScan (Now part of Eden Data)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1485\" src=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/05\/2e480a8c-eden-data-scaled.webp\" alt=\"eden data - controlscan\n\" class=\"wp-image-47291\" srcset=\"\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/05\/2e480a8c-eden-data-scaled.webp 2560w, \/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,height=891,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/05\/2e480a8c-eden-data.webp 1536w, \/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2048,height=1188,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/https:\/\/cdn-blog.getastra.com\/2026\/05\/2e480a8c-eden-data.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pentest Capacity:<\/strong> Offers both automated and manual PCI vulnerability assessments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>API Vulnerability Scanner:<\/strong> Available in premium plans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Access Control Scanning:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compliance:<\/strong> PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> Custom pricing based on business size and services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Suited For:<\/strong> SMBs and mid-sized businesses needing guided PCI support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ControlScan specializes in helping small and mid-sized businesses meet PCI DSS requirements without the overwhelm. They combine scanning technology, security consulting, and hands-on remediation support to simplify the compliance journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes ControlScan stand out is their white-glove service, walking you through remediation, reporting, and even communication with your acquiring bank. For teams without deep technical knowledge, their managed compliance programs reduce friction and save time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Great for non-technical teams and PCI first-timers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hands-on remediation guidance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Option to bundle with managed firewall, endpoint, and SIEM services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>May not scale as well for large enterprises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pricing not transparent for smaller businesses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCI compliance is a critical pillar of digital trust. As payment ecosystems become increasingly complex, so do the risks targeting cardholder data. This makes the role of PCI service providers increasingly strategic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From vulnerability scanning and real-time threat detection to audit-ready reporting, the right provider can simplify compliance while strengthening your overall security posture. This blog explored a range of solutions, from scalable cloud-hosted services to hands-on managed providers, each catering to different business needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As organizations navigate these choices, providers like Astra are helping bridge the gap between compliance and true resilience, combining automation with depth and ease of use, while maintaining technical rigor. The future of PCI isn\u2019t just about passing audits, but is about building systems that customers can trust, even under pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<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-1692623664871\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">1. What are the PCI service provider levels?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) compliance is differentiated into four distinct levels, each targeting businesses with varying volumes of transactions per year. They are:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Level 1<\/strong>: This level applies to service providers that process over 6 million transactions annually or have suffered a data breach.<br \/><strong>Level 2<\/strong>: Service providers in this level process 1 to 6 million transactions annually. They need to complete an annual self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) and conduct quarterly vulnerability scans.<br \/><strong>Level 3<\/strong>: Service providers processing 20,000 to 1 million e-commerce transactions annually fall into this category.<br \/><strong>Level 4<\/strong>: Level 4 includes service providers processing fewer than 20,000 e-commerce transactions annually. They are required to complete an annual SAQ and may also need to perform vulnerability scans based on their acquirer&#8217;s requirements.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1692623757998\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">2. How is PCI-DSS Penetration Testing performed?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The process of PCI compliance penetration testing involves a sequence of steps that must be executed in a particular order. The steps include:<br \/>1. <strong>Scoping<\/strong>: Define the scope of the penetration test, specifying systems and networks to be tested for potential vulnerabilities.<br \/>2. <strong>Reconnaissance &amp; Discovery<\/strong>: Gather information about the target, identifying potential entry points and weaknesses.<br \/>3. <strong>Exploitation<\/strong>: Actively exploit vulnerabilities to assess the system&#8217;s resistance to attacks.<br \/>4. <strong>Reporting<\/strong>: Document findings, vulnerabilities, and recommendations for improving security.<br \/>5. <strong>Re-scanning<\/strong>: Verify that identified vulnerabilities have been addressed and assess their resolution.<br \/>6. <strong>Continuous Scanning<\/strong>: Implement ongoing vulnerability assessments to maintain security and identify new risks.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1692623868677\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">3. What function does PCI perform in service?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>PCI DSS is a set of guidelines that businesses have to follow to ensure secure of all payment card transactions. The role of PCI in service is to enforce these standards on any business that deals with card information. These companies must uphold strict security measures to protect cardholder data and secure transactions<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every time a card is swiped, tapped, or entered online, an invisible exchange occurs, not just of money, but of trust and risk. In 2026, as digital payments power global commerce, cybercriminals are evolving just as fast. The PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) was created to protect this trust by securing cardholder &#8230; <a title=\"Top 5 PCI DSS Compliance Service Providers (2026 List)\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/compliance\/pci\/pci-service-provider\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Top 5 PCI DSS Compliance Service Providers (2026 List)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":39226,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[700],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27195","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\/27195","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\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27195"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47292,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27195\/revisions\/47292"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39226"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}