Mastering PCI DSS Compliance: A Complete Guide for Security Professionals
You're managing sensitive cardholder data, and the pressure is real. One misstep and your organization could face crippling fines, reputational damage, or even a loss of ability to process payments. Compliance isn’t optional-it’s existential. But navigating the 12 requirements, hundreds of subpoints, and evolving guidance of PCI DSS often feels like decoding a cipher with no key. You’re not alone. Security leaders across financial institutions, e-commerce platforms, and SaaS providers are stretched thin trying to align technical controls with audit demands-all while stakeholders expect flawless execution. The cost of confusion? Wasted resources, failed assessments, and stalled career growth. The opportunity? Becoming the go-to authority your team relies on when audit season hits. Mastering PCI DSS Compliance: A Complete Guide for Security Professionals transforms confusion into clarity. This comprehensive program is not theory. It’s a battle-tested, line-by-line roadmap to take you from overwhelmed and reactive to confident, audit-ready, and strategically indispensable within 30 days. You’ll finish with a board-ready compliance roadmap, tailored to your environment, that demonstrates measurable risk reduction and budget-conscious control implementation. Take Maria S., Lead Security Analyst at a Fortune 500 payment processor. Before enrolling, she spent months preparing for a QSA audit, only to fail two critical segments due to misunderstood segmentation controls. After completing this program, she rebuilt her scoping documentation and network architecture review from the ground up. Her next audit passed with zero findings-and she was promoted to Compliance Architect within six months. Every section is engineered to eliminate guesswork. You’ll gain immediate frameworks for mapping PCI requirements to actual systems, policies, and monitoring workflows. No fluff. No filler. Just actionable, decision-enabling intelligence written for professionals who need precision and speed. You’re not just learning standards-you’re building authority, resilience, and career leverage. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details: Learn with Confidence, Clarity, and Zero Risk Self-Paced, On-Demand Learning Designed for Real-World Demands
This program is entirely self-paced, with immediate online access upon enrollment. You decide when, where, and how quickly you progress-ideal for security professionals managing audits, incidents, and tight deadlines. There are no fixed start dates, no live sessions to schedule around, and no expiration on your learning window. The average learner completes the core content in 25–30 hours and implements their first audit-ready control within the first week. Lifetime Access & Continuous Updates-Your Compliance Knowledge Never Expires
You receive lifetime access to all course materials, including every future update at no additional cost. PCI DSS evolves. Your knowledge must too. The curriculum is actively maintained to reflect the latest guidance, interpretation changes, and emerging threat scenarios-so your expertise stays current for years. Access is available 24/7 from any device-fully mobile-friendly. Whether you’re reviewing controls from the office, airport, or field, your materials are always within reach. Direct Expert Guidance & Real-World Support
Learners receive structured guidance through expert-written explanations, annotated templates, and step-by-step implementation workflows. Direct instructor support is available via secure inquiry channels to clarify complex requirements, interpret scoping edge cases, and validate control mapping strategies. We understand that no two environments are identical. Whether you work in cloud infrastructure, hybrid retail, or third-party payment processing, the materials are designed to adapt to your environment-with explicit examples across use cases. Earn a Globally Recognised Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion, you will earn a Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service-a credential recognised by enterprises, audit firms, and security teams worldwide. This certificate validates your mastery of PCI DSS implementation principles and strengthens your professional credibility during job transitions, promotions, or compliance engagements. The Art of Service has trained over 120,000 professionals in governance, risk, and compliance frameworks across 150 countries. Our content is trusted by Fortune 500 security officers, QSA firms, and internal audit departments for its precision, depth, and operational relevance. Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees, Full Payment Options
The course price is straightforward, with no hidden fees, subscription traps, or upsells. What you see is what you pay-full lifetime access, all materials, one inclusive fee. We accept all major payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. Transactions are secured with bank-level encryption, and your data is never shared or resold. 100% Risk-Free Learning Guarantee
We stand behind the value of this program with a complete satisfaction guarantee. If you find the content does not meet your expectations, you are eligible for a full refund-no questions asked. Your only risk is not taking action. Our goal is to ensure you walk away with either transformative knowledge or your money back. Real Results, Even If You’re Starting Behind
Will this work for you? Absolutely-even if: - You’ve previously struggled with QSAs or failed audit segments
- You inherited a legacy environment with unclear segmentation
- Your team lacks dedicated compliance resources
- You’re new to PCI DSS but need to speak authoritatively tomorrow
- You work in a highly regulated multinational environment with regional nuances
This course works because it doesn’t teach compliance in the abstract. It gives you the exact tools, templates, and decision frameworks used by leading QSAs and internal compliance architects. You’ll apply each concept directly to your business context from Day 1. After enrollment, you’ll receive a confirmation email acknowledging your registration. Your access details and login instructions will be sent separately once your course materials are fully prepared and verified.
Extensive and Detailed Course Curriculum: 80+ Expert-Curated Topics, Module by Module
Module 1: Foundations of Payment Security and PCI DSS - Understanding the global payment ecosystem and data flow
- The role of card brands, acquirers, and issuing banks in compliance enforcement
- What is PCI DSS and why it exists beyond fines and audits
- Overview of the 12 core PCI DSS requirements
- Key definitions: cardholder data, sensitive authentication data, CDE
- Understanding primary account number (PAN) protection rules
- Scope of cardholder data environment (CDE) mapping principles
- Introduction to compensating controls and their approval process
- Recognising compliance myths and common misconceptions
- Evolution of PCI DSS across versions: what’s changed and why it matters
Module 2: Scoping and Segmentation Mastery - Defining the cardholder data environment (CDE) with precision
- Identifying in-scope systems, networks, and personnel
- Techniques for minimising scope through architecture
- Effective network segmentation: design principles and validation
- Using firewalls, VLANs, and ACLs to isolate CDE components
- Air-gapped vs logically segmented environments: pros and cons
- Third-party access and its impact on scope determination
- Remote support and vendor access control implications
- How to document and justify scope reduction strategies
- Validating segmentation effectiveness: testing methodologies
Module 3: Requirement 1-Firewall Configuration and Protection - Understanding firewall roles in PCI DSS compliance
- Defining and maintaining a firewall rule base
- Best practices for default-deny policies
- Documentation and approval process for firewall changes
- Reviewing firewall rules for necessity and relevance
- Securing management interfaces and administrative access
- Hardening guidelines for firewall appliances
- Monitoring firewall logs for anomalies and unauthorised access
- Integrating firewall policy with change management processes
- Common pitfalls in firewall compliance during audits
Module 4: Requirement 2-Secure System Passwords and Default Settings - Eliminating vendor defaults across all devices and software
- Defining strong password policies per PCI DSS 2.2
- Secure credential management for shared and administrative accounts
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) where required
- Guidelines for service accounts and non-person entities
- Securing console and out-of-band access
- Documentation of secure configurations for all system components
- Auditing authentication logs for suspicious activity
- Managing cloud platform defaults and IAM configurations
- Benchmarking secure baselines using CIS and DISA STIGs
Module 5: Requirement 3-Protecting Stored Cardholder Data - Legal and technical limitations on storing sensitive authentication data
- Justifying retention of PAN in business contexts
- Encryption methods for stored PAN: AES, tokenisation, masking
- Key management best practices for encryption keys
- Defining roles for key custodians and access controls
- Storing decryption keys separately from encrypted data
- Using point-to-point encryption (P2PE) solutions effectively
- Tokenisation: implementation patterns and vendor evaluation
- Minimising data storage through design and architecture
- Documenting justification for data retention and protection methods
Module 6: Requirement 4-Encrypting Transmission of Cardholder Data - Understanding secure transmission vulnerabilities
- Implementing TLS 1.2 or higher across all in-scope systems
- Prohibiting insecure protocols: SSL, early TLS, FTP, HTTP
- Securing email, messaging, and file transfer methods
- Validating certificate trust chains and expiration dates
- Managing certificate lifecycle and renewals
- Encrypting data in transit across wireless networks
- Securing APIs and integrations handling card data
- Validating secure configurations using automated scanning
- Handling legacy systems that cannot support modern encryption
Module 7: Requirement 5-Malware Prevention and Security Controls - Implementing anti-malware solutions on all applicable systems
- Defining systems where anti-malware is required
- Automatic updates and real-time monitoring configurations
- Using host-based intrusion prevention systems (HIPS)
- File integrity monitoring (FIM) for critical system files
- Deploying FIM for configuration files, binaries, and scripts
- Integrating FIM alerts with SIEM or security monitoring tools
- Establishing baseline system states for anomaly detection
- Logging and alerting on unexpected file modifications
- Using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools within PCI scope
Module 8: Requirement 6-Develop and Maintain Secure Systems - Establishing a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC)
- Integrating PCI DSS requirements into development policies
- Secure coding practices for web and API development
- Input validation, output encoding, and protection against OWASP Top 10
- Patch management policies and vulnerability remediation timelines
- Tracking and applying security patches within critical windows
- Using automated dependency scanning for open-source components
- Documenting process for evaluating vendor-supplied patches
- Change control procedures for system and application updates
- Reviewing custom code for compliance with Requirement 6.5
Module 9: Requirement 7-Access Control Based on Need to Know - Defining roles and responsibilities for access provisioning
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) models
- Justifying access rights based on job function only
- Segregation of duties (SoD) for critical operations
- Documenting access approval and revocation processes
- Automating access reviews using identity governance tools
- Scheduling regular access reviews: quarterly and ad hoc
- Handling temporary and emergency access grants
- Logging privileged access and tracking usage
- Integrating access governance with HR offboarding workflows
Module 10: Requirement 8-Identification and Authentication Management - Unique user identification for all access to CDE systems
- Enforcement of strong password policies across systems
- Mandating multi-factor authentication for administrative access
- MFA implementation for remote network access
- Using hardware tokens, biometrics, or TOTP for second factors
- Securing service accounts with rotating credentials
- Managing shared credentials using privileged access management (PAM)
- Password vaulting and session monitoring for admin access
- Session timeouts for inactivity: web and network consoles
- Preventing password reuse and recycling across systems
Module 11: Requirement 9-Physical Access Controls - Securing data centres, server rooms, and network closets
- Implementing physical access logging and monitoring
- Visitor access policies and escort requirements
- Securing point-of-sale (POS) terminals and PIN pads
- Preventing tampering through seals, cameras, and inspection
- Documenting physical security policies and controls
- Restricting access to media storage and backup locations
- Handling secure disposal of hardware and storage media
- Mobile device security for field payment teams
- Integrating physical and logical access systems
Module 12: Requirement 10-Logging and Monitoring - Enabling audit trails for all access to cardholder data
- Ensuring logs capture user ID, timestamp, and event type
- Protecting logs from tampering and unauthorised modification
- Centralised logging using SIEM or log aggregation platforms
- Retention of logs for minimum 1 year (3 months online)
- Regular log review for suspicious or unauthorised activity
- Automating alerting for predefined security events
- Linking log data to incident response procedures
- Time synchronisation using NTP across all systems
- Integrating logging with threat intelligence and detection tools
Module 13: Requirement 11-Testing Security Systems - Scheduled internal vulnerability scanning: frequency and scope
- Using ASV-certified tools for external vulnerability scans
- Validating scan coverage and handling false positives
- Performing quarterly penetration testing
- Engaging qualified internal or external penetration testers
- Testing segmentation effectiveness and bypass risks
- Scope of red team assessments and social engineering
- Fixing issues within remediation timelines
- Documenting testing results and remediation evidence
- Integrating testing into continuous compliance monitoring
Module 14: Requirement 12-Security Policy and Organisational Framework - Developing a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance policy
- Assigning information security ownership and roles
- Establishing a risk assessment process based on PCI DSS 12.2
- Conducting annual risk assessments and documenting findings
- Implementing security awareness training for all personnel
- Content and frequency of PCI-specific security training
- Handling third-party risk and vendor compliance validation
- Using third-party information security assessments
- Creating incident response plans specific to data breaches
- Testing incident response plans through tabletop exercises
Module 15: Specialised Environments and Deployment Models - Cloud environments: shared responsibility model in AWS, Azure, GCP
- Mapping PCI responsibilities between provider and customer
- Validating cloud provider compliance certifications
- Serverless, containers, and microservices considerations
- Securing Kubernetes clusters and orchestration platforms
- On-premises hybrid deployments and trust boundaries
- Virtualisation and hypervisor security controls
- Distributed retail networks and store-level POS
- Mobile payment apps and consumer device security
- Embedded systems and IoT in CDE environments
Module 16: Service Providers and Third-Party Risk - Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
Module 1: Foundations of Payment Security and PCI DSS - Understanding the global payment ecosystem and data flow
- The role of card brands, acquirers, and issuing banks in compliance enforcement
- What is PCI DSS and why it exists beyond fines and audits
- Overview of the 12 core PCI DSS requirements
- Key definitions: cardholder data, sensitive authentication data, CDE
- Understanding primary account number (PAN) protection rules
- Scope of cardholder data environment (CDE) mapping principles
- Introduction to compensating controls and their approval process
- Recognising compliance myths and common misconceptions
- Evolution of PCI DSS across versions: what’s changed and why it matters
Module 2: Scoping and Segmentation Mastery - Defining the cardholder data environment (CDE) with precision
- Identifying in-scope systems, networks, and personnel
- Techniques for minimising scope through architecture
- Effective network segmentation: design principles and validation
- Using firewalls, VLANs, and ACLs to isolate CDE components
- Air-gapped vs logically segmented environments: pros and cons
- Third-party access and its impact on scope determination
- Remote support and vendor access control implications
- How to document and justify scope reduction strategies
- Validating segmentation effectiveness: testing methodologies
Module 3: Requirement 1-Firewall Configuration and Protection - Understanding firewall roles in PCI DSS compliance
- Defining and maintaining a firewall rule base
- Best practices for default-deny policies
- Documentation and approval process for firewall changes
- Reviewing firewall rules for necessity and relevance
- Securing management interfaces and administrative access
- Hardening guidelines for firewall appliances
- Monitoring firewall logs for anomalies and unauthorised access
- Integrating firewall policy with change management processes
- Common pitfalls in firewall compliance during audits
Module 4: Requirement 2-Secure System Passwords and Default Settings - Eliminating vendor defaults across all devices and software
- Defining strong password policies per PCI DSS 2.2
- Secure credential management for shared and administrative accounts
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) where required
- Guidelines for service accounts and non-person entities
- Securing console and out-of-band access
- Documentation of secure configurations for all system components
- Auditing authentication logs for suspicious activity
- Managing cloud platform defaults and IAM configurations
- Benchmarking secure baselines using CIS and DISA STIGs
Module 5: Requirement 3-Protecting Stored Cardholder Data - Legal and technical limitations on storing sensitive authentication data
- Justifying retention of PAN in business contexts
- Encryption methods for stored PAN: AES, tokenisation, masking
- Key management best practices for encryption keys
- Defining roles for key custodians and access controls
- Storing decryption keys separately from encrypted data
- Using point-to-point encryption (P2PE) solutions effectively
- Tokenisation: implementation patterns and vendor evaluation
- Minimising data storage through design and architecture
- Documenting justification for data retention and protection methods
Module 6: Requirement 4-Encrypting Transmission of Cardholder Data - Understanding secure transmission vulnerabilities
- Implementing TLS 1.2 or higher across all in-scope systems
- Prohibiting insecure protocols: SSL, early TLS, FTP, HTTP
- Securing email, messaging, and file transfer methods
- Validating certificate trust chains and expiration dates
- Managing certificate lifecycle and renewals
- Encrypting data in transit across wireless networks
- Securing APIs and integrations handling card data
- Validating secure configurations using automated scanning
- Handling legacy systems that cannot support modern encryption
Module 7: Requirement 5-Malware Prevention and Security Controls - Implementing anti-malware solutions on all applicable systems
- Defining systems where anti-malware is required
- Automatic updates and real-time monitoring configurations
- Using host-based intrusion prevention systems (HIPS)
- File integrity monitoring (FIM) for critical system files
- Deploying FIM for configuration files, binaries, and scripts
- Integrating FIM alerts with SIEM or security monitoring tools
- Establishing baseline system states for anomaly detection
- Logging and alerting on unexpected file modifications
- Using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools within PCI scope
Module 8: Requirement 6-Develop and Maintain Secure Systems - Establishing a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC)
- Integrating PCI DSS requirements into development policies
- Secure coding practices for web and API development
- Input validation, output encoding, and protection against OWASP Top 10
- Patch management policies and vulnerability remediation timelines
- Tracking and applying security patches within critical windows
- Using automated dependency scanning for open-source components
- Documenting process for evaluating vendor-supplied patches
- Change control procedures for system and application updates
- Reviewing custom code for compliance with Requirement 6.5
Module 9: Requirement 7-Access Control Based on Need to Know - Defining roles and responsibilities for access provisioning
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) models
- Justifying access rights based on job function only
- Segregation of duties (SoD) for critical operations
- Documenting access approval and revocation processes
- Automating access reviews using identity governance tools
- Scheduling regular access reviews: quarterly and ad hoc
- Handling temporary and emergency access grants
- Logging privileged access and tracking usage
- Integrating access governance with HR offboarding workflows
Module 10: Requirement 8-Identification and Authentication Management - Unique user identification for all access to CDE systems
- Enforcement of strong password policies across systems
- Mandating multi-factor authentication for administrative access
- MFA implementation for remote network access
- Using hardware tokens, biometrics, or TOTP for second factors
- Securing service accounts with rotating credentials
- Managing shared credentials using privileged access management (PAM)
- Password vaulting and session monitoring for admin access
- Session timeouts for inactivity: web and network consoles
- Preventing password reuse and recycling across systems
Module 11: Requirement 9-Physical Access Controls - Securing data centres, server rooms, and network closets
- Implementing physical access logging and monitoring
- Visitor access policies and escort requirements
- Securing point-of-sale (POS) terminals and PIN pads
- Preventing tampering through seals, cameras, and inspection
- Documenting physical security policies and controls
- Restricting access to media storage and backup locations
- Handling secure disposal of hardware and storage media
- Mobile device security for field payment teams
- Integrating physical and logical access systems
Module 12: Requirement 10-Logging and Monitoring - Enabling audit trails for all access to cardholder data
- Ensuring logs capture user ID, timestamp, and event type
- Protecting logs from tampering and unauthorised modification
- Centralised logging using SIEM or log aggregation platforms
- Retention of logs for minimum 1 year (3 months online)
- Regular log review for suspicious or unauthorised activity
- Automating alerting for predefined security events
- Linking log data to incident response procedures
- Time synchronisation using NTP across all systems
- Integrating logging with threat intelligence and detection tools
Module 13: Requirement 11-Testing Security Systems - Scheduled internal vulnerability scanning: frequency and scope
- Using ASV-certified tools for external vulnerability scans
- Validating scan coverage and handling false positives
- Performing quarterly penetration testing
- Engaging qualified internal or external penetration testers
- Testing segmentation effectiveness and bypass risks
- Scope of red team assessments and social engineering
- Fixing issues within remediation timelines
- Documenting testing results and remediation evidence
- Integrating testing into continuous compliance monitoring
Module 14: Requirement 12-Security Policy and Organisational Framework - Developing a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance policy
- Assigning information security ownership and roles
- Establishing a risk assessment process based on PCI DSS 12.2
- Conducting annual risk assessments and documenting findings
- Implementing security awareness training for all personnel
- Content and frequency of PCI-specific security training
- Handling third-party risk and vendor compliance validation
- Using third-party information security assessments
- Creating incident response plans specific to data breaches
- Testing incident response plans through tabletop exercises
Module 15: Specialised Environments and Deployment Models - Cloud environments: shared responsibility model in AWS, Azure, GCP
- Mapping PCI responsibilities between provider and customer
- Validating cloud provider compliance certifications
- Serverless, containers, and microservices considerations
- Securing Kubernetes clusters and orchestration platforms
- On-premises hybrid deployments and trust boundaries
- Virtualisation and hypervisor security controls
- Distributed retail networks and store-level POS
- Mobile payment apps and consumer device security
- Embedded systems and IoT in CDE environments
Module 16: Service Providers and Third-Party Risk - Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Defining the cardholder data environment (CDE) with precision
- Identifying in-scope systems, networks, and personnel
- Techniques for minimising scope through architecture
- Effective network segmentation: design principles and validation
- Using firewalls, VLANs, and ACLs to isolate CDE components
- Air-gapped vs logically segmented environments: pros and cons
- Third-party access and its impact on scope determination
- Remote support and vendor access control implications
- How to document and justify scope reduction strategies
- Validating segmentation effectiveness: testing methodologies
Module 3: Requirement 1-Firewall Configuration and Protection - Understanding firewall roles in PCI DSS compliance
- Defining and maintaining a firewall rule base
- Best practices for default-deny policies
- Documentation and approval process for firewall changes
- Reviewing firewall rules for necessity and relevance
- Securing management interfaces and administrative access
- Hardening guidelines for firewall appliances
- Monitoring firewall logs for anomalies and unauthorised access
- Integrating firewall policy with change management processes
- Common pitfalls in firewall compliance during audits
Module 4: Requirement 2-Secure System Passwords and Default Settings - Eliminating vendor defaults across all devices and software
- Defining strong password policies per PCI DSS 2.2
- Secure credential management for shared and administrative accounts
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) where required
- Guidelines for service accounts and non-person entities
- Securing console and out-of-band access
- Documentation of secure configurations for all system components
- Auditing authentication logs for suspicious activity
- Managing cloud platform defaults and IAM configurations
- Benchmarking secure baselines using CIS and DISA STIGs
Module 5: Requirement 3-Protecting Stored Cardholder Data - Legal and technical limitations on storing sensitive authentication data
- Justifying retention of PAN in business contexts
- Encryption methods for stored PAN: AES, tokenisation, masking
- Key management best practices for encryption keys
- Defining roles for key custodians and access controls
- Storing decryption keys separately from encrypted data
- Using point-to-point encryption (P2PE) solutions effectively
- Tokenisation: implementation patterns and vendor evaluation
- Minimising data storage through design and architecture
- Documenting justification for data retention and protection methods
Module 6: Requirement 4-Encrypting Transmission of Cardholder Data - Understanding secure transmission vulnerabilities
- Implementing TLS 1.2 or higher across all in-scope systems
- Prohibiting insecure protocols: SSL, early TLS, FTP, HTTP
- Securing email, messaging, and file transfer methods
- Validating certificate trust chains and expiration dates
- Managing certificate lifecycle and renewals
- Encrypting data in transit across wireless networks
- Securing APIs and integrations handling card data
- Validating secure configurations using automated scanning
- Handling legacy systems that cannot support modern encryption
Module 7: Requirement 5-Malware Prevention and Security Controls - Implementing anti-malware solutions on all applicable systems
- Defining systems where anti-malware is required
- Automatic updates and real-time monitoring configurations
- Using host-based intrusion prevention systems (HIPS)
- File integrity monitoring (FIM) for critical system files
- Deploying FIM for configuration files, binaries, and scripts
- Integrating FIM alerts with SIEM or security monitoring tools
- Establishing baseline system states for anomaly detection
- Logging and alerting on unexpected file modifications
- Using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools within PCI scope
Module 8: Requirement 6-Develop and Maintain Secure Systems - Establishing a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC)
- Integrating PCI DSS requirements into development policies
- Secure coding practices for web and API development
- Input validation, output encoding, and protection against OWASP Top 10
- Patch management policies and vulnerability remediation timelines
- Tracking and applying security patches within critical windows
- Using automated dependency scanning for open-source components
- Documenting process for evaluating vendor-supplied patches
- Change control procedures for system and application updates
- Reviewing custom code for compliance with Requirement 6.5
Module 9: Requirement 7-Access Control Based on Need to Know - Defining roles and responsibilities for access provisioning
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) models
- Justifying access rights based on job function only
- Segregation of duties (SoD) for critical operations
- Documenting access approval and revocation processes
- Automating access reviews using identity governance tools
- Scheduling regular access reviews: quarterly and ad hoc
- Handling temporary and emergency access grants
- Logging privileged access and tracking usage
- Integrating access governance with HR offboarding workflows
Module 10: Requirement 8-Identification and Authentication Management - Unique user identification for all access to CDE systems
- Enforcement of strong password policies across systems
- Mandating multi-factor authentication for administrative access
- MFA implementation for remote network access
- Using hardware tokens, biometrics, or TOTP for second factors
- Securing service accounts with rotating credentials
- Managing shared credentials using privileged access management (PAM)
- Password vaulting and session monitoring for admin access
- Session timeouts for inactivity: web and network consoles
- Preventing password reuse and recycling across systems
Module 11: Requirement 9-Physical Access Controls - Securing data centres, server rooms, and network closets
- Implementing physical access logging and monitoring
- Visitor access policies and escort requirements
- Securing point-of-sale (POS) terminals and PIN pads
- Preventing tampering through seals, cameras, and inspection
- Documenting physical security policies and controls
- Restricting access to media storage and backup locations
- Handling secure disposal of hardware and storage media
- Mobile device security for field payment teams
- Integrating physical and logical access systems
Module 12: Requirement 10-Logging and Monitoring - Enabling audit trails for all access to cardholder data
- Ensuring logs capture user ID, timestamp, and event type
- Protecting logs from tampering and unauthorised modification
- Centralised logging using SIEM or log aggregation platforms
- Retention of logs for minimum 1 year (3 months online)
- Regular log review for suspicious or unauthorised activity
- Automating alerting for predefined security events
- Linking log data to incident response procedures
- Time synchronisation using NTP across all systems
- Integrating logging with threat intelligence and detection tools
Module 13: Requirement 11-Testing Security Systems - Scheduled internal vulnerability scanning: frequency and scope
- Using ASV-certified tools for external vulnerability scans
- Validating scan coverage and handling false positives
- Performing quarterly penetration testing
- Engaging qualified internal or external penetration testers
- Testing segmentation effectiveness and bypass risks
- Scope of red team assessments and social engineering
- Fixing issues within remediation timelines
- Documenting testing results and remediation evidence
- Integrating testing into continuous compliance monitoring
Module 14: Requirement 12-Security Policy and Organisational Framework - Developing a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance policy
- Assigning information security ownership and roles
- Establishing a risk assessment process based on PCI DSS 12.2
- Conducting annual risk assessments and documenting findings
- Implementing security awareness training for all personnel
- Content and frequency of PCI-specific security training
- Handling third-party risk and vendor compliance validation
- Using third-party information security assessments
- Creating incident response plans specific to data breaches
- Testing incident response plans through tabletop exercises
Module 15: Specialised Environments and Deployment Models - Cloud environments: shared responsibility model in AWS, Azure, GCP
- Mapping PCI responsibilities between provider and customer
- Validating cloud provider compliance certifications
- Serverless, containers, and microservices considerations
- Securing Kubernetes clusters and orchestration platforms
- On-premises hybrid deployments and trust boundaries
- Virtualisation and hypervisor security controls
- Distributed retail networks and store-level POS
- Mobile payment apps and consumer device security
- Embedded systems and IoT in CDE environments
Module 16: Service Providers and Third-Party Risk - Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Eliminating vendor defaults across all devices and software
- Defining strong password policies per PCI DSS 2.2
- Secure credential management for shared and administrative accounts
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) where required
- Guidelines for service accounts and non-person entities
- Securing console and out-of-band access
- Documentation of secure configurations for all system components
- Auditing authentication logs for suspicious activity
- Managing cloud platform defaults and IAM configurations
- Benchmarking secure baselines using CIS and DISA STIGs
Module 5: Requirement 3-Protecting Stored Cardholder Data - Legal and technical limitations on storing sensitive authentication data
- Justifying retention of PAN in business contexts
- Encryption methods for stored PAN: AES, tokenisation, masking
- Key management best practices for encryption keys
- Defining roles for key custodians and access controls
- Storing decryption keys separately from encrypted data
- Using point-to-point encryption (P2PE) solutions effectively
- Tokenisation: implementation patterns and vendor evaluation
- Minimising data storage through design and architecture
- Documenting justification for data retention and protection methods
Module 6: Requirement 4-Encrypting Transmission of Cardholder Data - Understanding secure transmission vulnerabilities
- Implementing TLS 1.2 or higher across all in-scope systems
- Prohibiting insecure protocols: SSL, early TLS, FTP, HTTP
- Securing email, messaging, and file transfer methods
- Validating certificate trust chains and expiration dates
- Managing certificate lifecycle and renewals
- Encrypting data in transit across wireless networks
- Securing APIs and integrations handling card data
- Validating secure configurations using automated scanning
- Handling legacy systems that cannot support modern encryption
Module 7: Requirement 5-Malware Prevention and Security Controls - Implementing anti-malware solutions on all applicable systems
- Defining systems where anti-malware is required
- Automatic updates and real-time monitoring configurations
- Using host-based intrusion prevention systems (HIPS)
- File integrity monitoring (FIM) for critical system files
- Deploying FIM for configuration files, binaries, and scripts
- Integrating FIM alerts with SIEM or security monitoring tools
- Establishing baseline system states for anomaly detection
- Logging and alerting on unexpected file modifications
- Using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools within PCI scope
Module 8: Requirement 6-Develop and Maintain Secure Systems - Establishing a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC)
- Integrating PCI DSS requirements into development policies
- Secure coding practices for web and API development
- Input validation, output encoding, and protection against OWASP Top 10
- Patch management policies and vulnerability remediation timelines
- Tracking and applying security patches within critical windows
- Using automated dependency scanning for open-source components
- Documenting process for evaluating vendor-supplied patches
- Change control procedures for system and application updates
- Reviewing custom code for compliance with Requirement 6.5
Module 9: Requirement 7-Access Control Based on Need to Know - Defining roles and responsibilities for access provisioning
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) models
- Justifying access rights based on job function only
- Segregation of duties (SoD) for critical operations
- Documenting access approval and revocation processes
- Automating access reviews using identity governance tools
- Scheduling regular access reviews: quarterly and ad hoc
- Handling temporary and emergency access grants
- Logging privileged access and tracking usage
- Integrating access governance with HR offboarding workflows
Module 10: Requirement 8-Identification and Authentication Management - Unique user identification for all access to CDE systems
- Enforcement of strong password policies across systems
- Mandating multi-factor authentication for administrative access
- MFA implementation for remote network access
- Using hardware tokens, biometrics, or TOTP for second factors
- Securing service accounts with rotating credentials
- Managing shared credentials using privileged access management (PAM)
- Password vaulting and session monitoring for admin access
- Session timeouts for inactivity: web and network consoles
- Preventing password reuse and recycling across systems
Module 11: Requirement 9-Physical Access Controls - Securing data centres, server rooms, and network closets
- Implementing physical access logging and monitoring
- Visitor access policies and escort requirements
- Securing point-of-sale (POS) terminals and PIN pads
- Preventing tampering through seals, cameras, and inspection
- Documenting physical security policies and controls
- Restricting access to media storage and backup locations
- Handling secure disposal of hardware and storage media
- Mobile device security for field payment teams
- Integrating physical and logical access systems
Module 12: Requirement 10-Logging and Monitoring - Enabling audit trails for all access to cardholder data
- Ensuring logs capture user ID, timestamp, and event type
- Protecting logs from tampering and unauthorised modification
- Centralised logging using SIEM or log aggregation platforms
- Retention of logs for minimum 1 year (3 months online)
- Regular log review for suspicious or unauthorised activity
- Automating alerting for predefined security events
- Linking log data to incident response procedures
- Time synchronisation using NTP across all systems
- Integrating logging with threat intelligence and detection tools
Module 13: Requirement 11-Testing Security Systems - Scheduled internal vulnerability scanning: frequency and scope
- Using ASV-certified tools for external vulnerability scans
- Validating scan coverage and handling false positives
- Performing quarterly penetration testing
- Engaging qualified internal or external penetration testers
- Testing segmentation effectiveness and bypass risks
- Scope of red team assessments and social engineering
- Fixing issues within remediation timelines
- Documenting testing results and remediation evidence
- Integrating testing into continuous compliance monitoring
Module 14: Requirement 12-Security Policy and Organisational Framework - Developing a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance policy
- Assigning information security ownership and roles
- Establishing a risk assessment process based on PCI DSS 12.2
- Conducting annual risk assessments and documenting findings
- Implementing security awareness training for all personnel
- Content and frequency of PCI-specific security training
- Handling third-party risk and vendor compliance validation
- Using third-party information security assessments
- Creating incident response plans specific to data breaches
- Testing incident response plans through tabletop exercises
Module 15: Specialised Environments and Deployment Models - Cloud environments: shared responsibility model in AWS, Azure, GCP
- Mapping PCI responsibilities between provider and customer
- Validating cloud provider compliance certifications
- Serverless, containers, and microservices considerations
- Securing Kubernetes clusters and orchestration platforms
- On-premises hybrid deployments and trust boundaries
- Virtualisation and hypervisor security controls
- Distributed retail networks and store-level POS
- Mobile payment apps and consumer device security
- Embedded systems and IoT in CDE environments
Module 16: Service Providers and Third-Party Risk - Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Understanding secure transmission vulnerabilities
- Implementing TLS 1.2 or higher across all in-scope systems
- Prohibiting insecure protocols: SSL, early TLS, FTP, HTTP
- Securing email, messaging, and file transfer methods
- Validating certificate trust chains and expiration dates
- Managing certificate lifecycle and renewals
- Encrypting data in transit across wireless networks
- Securing APIs and integrations handling card data
- Validating secure configurations using automated scanning
- Handling legacy systems that cannot support modern encryption
Module 7: Requirement 5-Malware Prevention and Security Controls - Implementing anti-malware solutions on all applicable systems
- Defining systems where anti-malware is required
- Automatic updates and real-time monitoring configurations
- Using host-based intrusion prevention systems (HIPS)
- File integrity monitoring (FIM) for critical system files
- Deploying FIM for configuration files, binaries, and scripts
- Integrating FIM alerts with SIEM or security monitoring tools
- Establishing baseline system states for anomaly detection
- Logging and alerting on unexpected file modifications
- Using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools within PCI scope
Module 8: Requirement 6-Develop and Maintain Secure Systems - Establishing a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC)
- Integrating PCI DSS requirements into development policies
- Secure coding practices for web and API development
- Input validation, output encoding, and protection against OWASP Top 10
- Patch management policies and vulnerability remediation timelines
- Tracking and applying security patches within critical windows
- Using automated dependency scanning for open-source components
- Documenting process for evaluating vendor-supplied patches
- Change control procedures for system and application updates
- Reviewing custom code for compliance with Requirement 6.5
Module 9: Requirement 7-Access Control Based on Need to Know - Defining roles and responsibilities for access provisioning
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) models
- Justifying access rights based on job function only
- Segregation of duties (SoD) for critical operations
- Documenting access approval and revocation processes
- Automating access reviews using identity governance tools
- Scheduling regular access reviews: quarterly and ad hoc
- Handling temporary and emergency access grants
- Logging privileged access and tracking usage
- Integrating access governance with HR offboarding workflows
Module 10: Requirement 8-Identification and Authentication Management - Unique user identification for all access to CDE systems
- Enforcement of strong password policies across systems
- Mandating multi-factor authentication for administrative access
- MFA implementation for remote network access
- Using hardware tokens, biometrics, or TOTP for second factors
- Securing service accounts with rotating credentials
- Managing shared credentials using privileged access management (PAM)
- Password vaulting and session monitoring for admin access
- Session timeouts for inactivity: web and network consoles
- Preventing password reuse and recycling across systems
Module 11: Requirement 9-Physical Access Controls - Securing data centres, server rooms, and network closets
- Implementing physical access logging and monitoring
- Visitor access policies and escort requirements
- Securing point-of-sale (POS) terminals and PIN pads
- Preventing tampering through seals, cameras, and inspection
- Documenting physical security policies and controls
- Restricting access to media storage and backup locations
- Handling secure disposal of hardware and storage media
- Mobile device security for field payment teams
- Integrating physical and logical access systems
Module 12: Requirement 10-Logging and Monitoring - Enabling audit trails for all access to cardholder data
- Ensuring logs capture user ID, timestamp, and event type
- Protecting logs from tampering and unauthorised modification
- Centralised logging using SIEM or log aggregation platforms
- Retention of logs for minimum 1 year (3 months online)
- Regular log review for suspicious or unauthorised activity
- Automating alerting for predefined security events
- Linking log data to incident response procedures
- Time synchronisation using NTP across all systems
- Integrating logging with threat intelligence and detection tools
Module 13: Requirement 11-Testing Security Systems - Scheduled internal vulnerability scanning: frequency and scope
- Using ASV-certified tools for external vulnerability scans
- Validating scan coverage and handling false positives
- Performing quarterly penetration testing
- Engaging qualified internal or external penetration testers
- Testing segmentation effectiveness and bypass risks
- Scope of red team assessments and social engineering
- Fixing issues within remediation timelines
- Documenting testing results and remediation evidence
- Integrating testing into continuous compliance monitoring
Module 14: Requirement 12-Security Policy and Organisational Framework - Developing a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance policy
- Assigning information security ownership and roles
- Establishing a risk assessment process based on PCI DSS 12.2
- Conducting annual risk assessments and documenting findings
- Implementing security awareness training for all personnel
- Content and frequency of PCI-specific security training
- Handling third-party risk and vendor compliance validation
- Using third-party information security assessments
- Creating incident response plans specific to data breaches
- Testing incident response plans through tabletop exercises
Module 15: Specialised Environments and Deployment Models - Cloud environments: shared responsibility model in AWS, Azure, GCP
- Mapping PCI responsibilities between provider and customer
- Validating cloud provider compliance certifications
- Serverless, containers, and microservices considerations
- Securing Kubernetes clusters and orchestration platforms
- On-premises hybrid deployments and trust boundaries
- Virtualisation and hypervisor security controls
- Distributed retail networks and store-level POS
- Mobile payment apps and consumer device security
- Embedded systems and IoT in CDE environments
Module 16: Service Providers and Third-Party Risk - Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Establishing a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC)
- Integrating PCI DSS requirements into development policies
- Secure coding practices for web and API development
- Input validation, output encoding, and protection against OWASP Top 10
- Patch management policies and vulnerability remediation timelines
- Tracking and applying security patches within critical windows
- Using automated dependency scanning for open-source components
- Documenting process for evaluating vendor-supplied patches
- Change control procedures for system and application updates
- Reviewing custom code for compliance with Requirement 6.5
Module 9: Requirement 7-Access Control Based on Need to Know - Defining roles and responsibilities for access provisioning
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) models
- Justifying access rights based on job function only
- Segregation of duties (SoD) for critical operations
- Documenting access approval and revocation processes
- Automating access reviews using identity governance tools
- Scheduling regular access reviews: quarterly and ad hoc
- Handling temporary and emergency access grants
- Logging privileged access and tracking usage
- Integrating access governance with HR offboarding workflows
Module 10: Requirement 8-Identification and Authentication Management - Unique user identification for all access to CDE systems
- Enforcement of strong password policies across systems
- Mandating multi-factor authentication for administrative access
- MFA implementation for remote network access
- Using hardware tokens, biometrics, or TOTP for second factors
- Securing service accounts with rotating credentials
- Managing shared credentials using privileged access management (PAM)
- Password vaulting and session monitoring for admin access
- Session timeouts for inactivity: web and network consoles
- Preventing password reuse and recycling across systems
Module 11: Requirement 9-Physical Access Controls - Securing data centres, server rooms, and network closets
- Implementing physical access logging and monitoring
- Visitor access policies and escort requirements
- Securing point-of-sale (POS) terminals and PIN pads
- Preventing tampering through seals, cameras, and inspection
- Documenting physical security policies and controls
- Restricting access to media storage and backup locations
- Handling secure disposal of hardware and storage media
- Mobile device security for field payment teams
- Integrating physical and logical access systems
Module 12: Requirement 10-Logging and Monitoring - Enabling audit trails for all access to cardholder data
- Ensuring logs capture user ID, timestamp, and event type
- Protecting logs from tampering and unauthorised modification
- Centralised logging using SIEM or log aggregation platforms
- Retention of logs for minimum 1 year (3 months online)
- Regular log review for suspicious or unauthorised activity
- Automating alerting for predefined security events
- Linking log data to incident response procedures
- Time synchronisation using NTP across all systems
- Integrating logging with threat intelligence and detection tools
Module 13: Requirement 11-Testing Security Systems - Scheduled internal vulnerability scanning: frequency and scope
- Using ASV-certified tools for external vulnerability scans
- Validating scan coverage and handling false positives
- Performing quarterly penetration testing
- Engaging qualified internal or external penetration testers
- Testing segmentation effectiveness and bypass risks
- Scope of red team assessments and social engineering
- Fixing issues within remediation timelines
- Documenting testing results and remediation evidence
- Integrating testing into continuous compliance monitoring
Module 14: Requirement 12-Security Policy and Organisational Framework - Developing a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance policy
- Assigning information security ownership and roles
- Establishing a risk assessment process based on PCI DSS 12.2
- Conducting annual risk assessments and documenting findings
- Implementing security awareness training for all personnel
- Content and frequency of PCI-specific security training
- Handling third-party risk and vendor compliance validation
- Using third-party information security assessments
- Creating incident response plans specific to data breaches
- Testing incident response plans through tabletop exercises
Module 15: Specialised Environments and Deployment Models - Cloud environments: shared responsibility model in AWS, Azure, GCP
- Mapping PCI responsibilities between provider and customer
- Validating cloud provider compliance certifications
- Serverless, containers, and microservices considerations
- Securing Kubernetes clusters and orchestration platforms
- On-premises hybrid deployments and trust boundaries
- Virtualisation and hypervisor security controls
- Distributed retail networks and store-level POS
- Mobile payment apps and consumer device security
- Embedded systems and IoT in CDE environments
Module 16: Service Providers and Third-Party Risk - Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Unique user identification for all access to CDE systems
- Enforcement of strong password policies across systems
- Mandating multi-factor authentication for administrative access
- MFA implementation for remote network access
- Using hardware tokens, biometrics, or TOTP for second factors
- Securing service accounts with rotating credentials
- Managing shared credentials using privileged access management (PAM)
- Password vaulting and session monitoring for admin access
- Session timeouts for inactivity: web and network consoles
- Preventing password reuse and recycling across systems
Module 11: Requirement 9-Physical Access Controls - Securing data centres, server rooms, and network closets
- Implementing physical access logging and monitoring
- Visitor access policies and escort requirements
- Securing point-of-sale (POS) terminals and PIN pads
- Preventing tampering through seals, cameras, and inspection
- Documenting physical security policies and controls
- Restricting access to media storage and backup locations
- Handling secure disposal of hardware and storage media
- Mobile device security for field payment teams
- Integrating physical and logical access systems
Module 12: Requirement 10-Logging and Monitoring - Enabling audit trails for all access to cardholder data
- Ensuring logs capture user ID, timestamp, and event type
- Protecting logs from tampering and unauthorised modification
- Centralised logging using SIEM or log aggregation platforms
- Retention of logs for minimum 1 year (3 months online)
- Regular log review for suspicious or unauthorised activity
- Automating alerting for predefined security events
- Linking log data to incident response procedures
- Time synchronisation using NTP across all systems
- Integrating logging with threat intelligence and detection tools
Module 13: Requirement 11-Testing Security Systems - Scheduled internal vulnerability scanning: frequency and scope
- Using ASV-certified tools for external vulnerability scans
- Validating scan coverage and handling false positives
- Performing quarterly penetration testing
- Engaging qualified internal or external penetration testers
- Testing segmentation effectiveness and bypass risks
- Scope of red team assessments and social engineering
- Fixing issues within remediation timelines
- Documenting testing results and remediation evidence
- Integrating testing into continuous compliance monitoring
Module 14: Requirement 12-Security Policy and Organisational Framework - Developing a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance policy
- Assigning information security ownership and roles
- Establishing a risk assessment process based on PCI DSS 12.2
- Conducting annual risk assessments and documenting findings
- Implementing security awareness training for all personnel
- Content and frequency of PCI-specific security training
- Handling third-party risk and vendor compliance validation
- Using third-party information security assessments
- Creating incident response plans specific to data breaches
- Testing incident response plans through tabletop exercises
Module 15: Specialised Environments and Deployment Models - Cloud environments: shared responsibility model in AWS, Azure, GCP
- Mapping PCI responsibilities between provider and customer
- Validating cloud provider compliance certifications
- Serverless, containers, and microservices considerations
- Securing Kubernetes clusters and orchestration platforms
- On-premises hybrid deployments and trust boundaries
- Virtualisation and hypervisor security controls
- Distributed retail networks and store-level POS
- Mobile payment apps and consumer device security
- Embedded systems and IoT in CDE environments
Module 16: Service Providers and Third-Party Risk - Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Enabling audit trails for all access to cardholder data
- Ensuring logs capture user ID, timestamp, and event type
- Protecting logs from tampering and unauthorised modification
- Centralised logging using SIEM or log aggregation platforms
- Retention of logs for minimum 1 year (3 months online)
- Regular log review for suspicious or unauthorised activity
- Automating alerting for predefined security events
- Linking log data to incident response procedures
- Time synchronisation using NTP across all systems
- Integrating logging with threat intelligence and detection tools
Module 13: Requirement 11-Testing Security Systems - Scheduled internal vulnerability scanning: frequency and scope
- Using ASV-certified tools for external vulnerability scans
- Validating scan coverage and handling false positives
- Performing quarterly penetration testing
- Engaging qualified internal or external penetration testers
- Testing segmentation effectiveness and bypass risks
- Scope of red team assessments and social engineering
- Fixing issues within remediation timelines
- Documenting testing results and remediation evidence
- Integrating testing into continuous compliance monitoring
Module 14: Requirement 12-Security Policy and Organisational Framework - Developing a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance policy
- Assigning information security ownership and roles
- Establishing a risk assessment process based on PCI DSS 12.2
- Conducting annual risk assessments and documenting findings
- Implementing security awareness training for all personnel
- Content and frequency of PCI-specific security training
- Handling third-party risk and vendor compliance validation
- Using third-party information security assessments
- Creating incident response plans specific to data breaches
- Testing incident response plans through tabletop exercises
Module 15: Specialised Environments and Deployment Models - Cloud environments: shared responsibility model in AWS, Azure, GCP
- Mapping PCI responsibilities between provider and customer
- Validating cloud provider compliance certifications
- Serverless, containers, and microservices considerations
- Securing Kubernetes clusters and orchestration platforms
- On-premises hybrid deployments and trust boundaries
- Virtualisation and hypervisor security controls
- Distributed retail networks and store-level POS
- Mobile payment apps and consumer device security
- Embedded systems and IoT in CDE environments
Module 16: Service Providers and Third-Party Risk - Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Developing a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance policy
- Assigning information security ownership and roles
- Establishing a risk assessment process based on PCI DSS 12.2
- Conducting annual risk assessments and documenting findings
- Implementing security awareness training for all personnel
- Content and frequency of PCI-specific security training
- Handling third-party risk and vendor compliance validation
- Using third-party information security assessments
- Creating incident response plans specific to data breaches
- Testing incident response plans through tabletop exercises
Module 15: Specialised Environments and Deployment Models - Cloud environments: shared responsibility model in AWS, Azure, GCP
- Mapping PCI responsibilities between provider and customer
- Validating cloud provider compliance certifications
- Serverless, containers, and microservices considerations
- Securing Kubernetes clusters and orchestration platforms
- On-premises hybrid deployments and trust boundaries
- Virtualisation and hypervisor security controls
- Distributed retail networks and store-level POS
- Mobile payment apps and consumer device security
- Embedded systems and IoT in CDE environments
Module 16: Service Providers and Third-Party Risk - Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Defining service providers under PCI DSS
- Understanding their compliance obligations and reporting
- Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) for third parties
- Demanding Attestations of Compliance (AOC) from vendors
- Conducting on-site assessments for critical providers
- Implementing vendor risk questionnaires and due diligence
- Contractual clauses requiring PCI compliance and liability
- Monitoring ongoing compliance of third parties
- Managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in scope
- Case studies: when third-party failures trigger breaches
Module 17: Audit Preparation and QSA Engagement - Preparing for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) assessment
- Understanding the roles of QSA, ISA, and internal audit
- Compiling evidence packages for each requirement
- Creating a compliance evidence matrix
- Common findings and how to avoid them
- Handling QSA inquiries and on-site interviews
- Responding to non-compliance observations with action plans
- Submitting the ROC and AOC to acquiring banks
- Managing follow-up evidence requests
- Building long-term rapport with your QSA partner
Module 18: Self-Assessment and SAQ Validation - Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Determining eligibility for different SAQ types (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Matching your business model to the correct SAQ
- Step-by-step walkthrough of completing SAQ D for merchants
- Validating wireless security in SAQ A-EP
- Understanding e-commerce specific requirements
- Avoiding SAQ misclassification and scope creep
- Documenting SAQ completion with supporting evidence
- Internal review and validation process before submission
- Handling payment redirection and tokenisation models
- When to engage a QSA instead of using an SAQ
Module 19: Building a Sustainable Compliance Program - Shifting from point-in-time to continuous compliance
- Integrating PCI controls into daily operations and change management
- Using automation for control validation and monitoring
- Creating a compliance roadmap for multi-year resilience
- Aligning PCI efforts with broader GRC initiatives
- Reporting compliance status to executive leadership
- Measuring compliance maturity using PCI DSS v4.0 guidance
- Staff training rotation and knowledge retention
- Creating a compliance playbook for onboarding and transitions
- Embedding compliance culture across IT and business units
Module 20: Future-Proofing with PCI DSS v4.0 and Beyond - Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates
Module 21: Certification, Career Growth, and Next Steps - Finalising your Certificate of Completion from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles
- Leveraging your knowledge in compliance leadership roles
- Pursuing advanced certifications: CISSP, QSA, PCIP
- Becoming a compliance mentor within your organisation
- Transitioning into consultancy or audit advisory roles
- Using your roadmap as a project portfolio asset
- Joining the global alumni network of compliance professionals
- Accessing advanced updates and peer resources
- Continuing your learning journey with guided next steps
- Overview of PCI DSS v4.0 structure and new requirements
- Distinguishing between required and customised implementation
- Migrating from v3.2.1 to v4.0 with minimal disruption
- Understanding the new “enhanced” requirements
- Adopting customised approaches with documented rationale
- Preparing for increased emphasis on phishing resistance
- Strengthening identity verification processes
- Implementing enhanced testing for evolving threats
- Using the new PCI DSS Assessors Program framework
- Staying ahead of roadmap changes and emerging mandates