A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering PCI DSS for Data Analysts in High-Volume Transaction Environments
Build unshakable compliance logic with sources, examples, and step-by-step control tracing
$199 one-time
24-hour access provisioning
30-day money-back guarantee
Hand-built implementation playbook
12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Being questioned on compliance decisions without clear backing
The situation this course is for
Even solid work gets challenged when the reasoning isn’t visible. Peers, leads, or auditors ask 'why this threshold?' or 'why this scope?' and without specific sources, it becomes debate, not dialogue.
Who this is for
Senior Data Analysts in transaction-heavy environments who own or contribute to PCI DSS evidence packages and control validation
Who this is not for
Entry-level analysts doing rote reporting, or engineers focused solely on network segmentation without data workflow involvement
What you walk away with
- Trace every PCI DSS requirement to specific data flows and controls in your environment
- Cite documented implementation examples when defending scope or logic choices
- Map compensating controls with confidence using annotated real-world trade-offs
- Explain encryption boundaries and tokenization impact with precision in cross-functional reviews
- Respond to peer challenges using framework-backed reasoning, not opinion
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. PCI DSS Control Framework Overview
Understand the full PCI DSS structure, version-specific controls, and how they apply to data flows in transaction environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Scope of PCI DSS applicability
- Core roles in compliance validation
- Transaction lifecycle touchpoints
- In-scope system components
- Data storage handling standards
- Encryption requirements by control
- Cardholder data boundaries
- Service provider responsibilities
- Control families and groupings
- Version differences summary
- Testing validation thresholds
- Documentation expectations
Module 2. Data Flow Mapping for Compliance
Trace cardholder data across systems, identify in-scope elements, and document segmentation logic with precision.
12 chapters in this module
- Starting point for data flow diagrams
- Logging touchpoints in pipelines
- Identifying transient data storage
- Tokenization impact on scope
- API call data handling
- Third-party data handoffs
- Encryption in transit markers
- Data retention triggers
- Shadow system identification
- Network segmentation evidence
- Boundary documentation
- Validation with engineering teams
Module 3. Control 3: Protect Stored Data
Apply encryption, masking, and retention rules to stored data with documented justification.
12 chapters in this module
- Primary account number handling
- Masking display requirements
- Encryption key management
- Data retention policies
- Tokenization scope decisions
- Hashing for non-usable data
- Database logging exclusions
- Temporary storage rules
- Test environment controls
- Data classification tags
- Audit trail for access
- Exception documentation
Module 4. Control 4: Encrypt Transmission
Secure data in motion with TLS standards, certificate management, and secure protocols.
12 chapters in this module
- TLS version requirements
- Certificate validation process
- End-to-end encryption scope
- Wireless transmission rules
- API call encryption
- Internal network encryption
- Certificate expiry tracking
- Key rotation policies
- Man-in-the-middle protection
- Session timeout standards
- Secure file transfer methods
- Third-party integration checks
Module 5. Control 5: Malware Protection
Implement endpoint protection, signature updates, and exception handling for data systems.
12 chapters in this module
- Antivirus deployment scope
- Signature update frequency
- Quarantine procedures
- False positive handling
- Exclusion justification
- Server-level scanning
- Containerized environment rules
- Cloud workload protection
- Log correlation with SIEM
- Incident response linkage
- Patch management sync
- Audit validation steps
Module 6. Control 6: Secure Systems
Apply secure configuration, patch management, and development practices to in-scope systems.
12 chapters in this module
- Baseline configuration standards
- Vendor default changes
- Patch deployment cycles
- Secure development lifecycle
- Code review for compliance
- Build environment rules
- CI/CD gate checks
- OS and DB hardening
- Remote access controls
- Admin session logging
- Role-based access setup
- Change management tracking
Module 7. Control 7: Access Restriction
Define access policies, roles, and justification for data system permissions.
12 chapters in this module
- Need-to-know definition
- Role-based access design
- User provisioning process
- Access review frequency
- Privileged account handling
- Segregation of duties
- Emergency access controls
- Session monitoring
- Log retention rules
- Access revocation process
- Service account management
- Third-party access validation
Module 8. Control 8: Identity Management
Implement strong authentication and identity lifecycle controls.
12 chapters in this module
- Password complexity standards
- Multi-factor authentication
- Account lockout policies
- Credential storage rules
- Biometric use cases
- SSO integration checks
- Directory service sync
- Federation trust levels
- Session timeout settings
- API key management
- Token expiration rules
- Identity audit logging
Module 9. Control 9: Physical Security
Secure physical access to systems that process or store cardholder data.
12 chapters in this module
- Data center access logs
- Visitor badge systems
- Camera placement standards
- Secure disposal methods
- Lockable cabinet requirements
- Workstation physical locks
- Remote worker policies
- Portable device controls
- Shipping and receiving checks
- Rack security measures
- Environmental monitoring
- Physical incident reporting
Module 10. Control 10: Logging and Monitoring
Establish audit trails, retention, and review for all in-scope systems.
12 chapters in this module
- Event types to log
- Centralized logging setup
- Log retention duration
- Time synchronization
- Log integrity protection
- Automated alert rules
- Review frequency standards
- Suspicious activity flags
- Cross-system correlation
- Retention in cloud environments
- Log access controls
- Third-party monitoring validation
Module 11. Control 11: Vulnerability Scanning
Conduct internal and external scans with documented frequency and remediation.
12 chapters in this module
- External scan frequency
- Internal scan requirements
- ASV certification checks
- Scan scope validation
- IP range inclusions
- Segmentation testing
- False positive documentation
- Remediation timelines
- Report submission process
- Rescan after fixes
- Cloud-native scanning tools
- Penetration testing linkage
Module 12. Control 12: Security Policy
Develop, maintain, and enforce policies with documented review cycles.
12 chapters in this module
- Policy documentation structure
- Annual review requirement
- Role-specific policy training
- Acceptable use policy
- Incident response planning
- Business continuity linkage
- Third-party oversight
- Compliance responsibility
- Policy exception process
- Risk assessment integration
- Board communication frequency
- Policy audit readiness
How this maps to your situation
- After completing initial data flow mapping
- Before first internal audit review
- When peer teams challenge control scope
- During remediation planning for findings
Before vs. after
Before
Decisions questioned due to lack of documented rationale
After
Every control choice backed by clear logic, sources, and precedent
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: 6-8 hours of focused reading and implementation planning over two weeks
If nothing changes
Without defensible reasoning, even correct decisions get delayed or overturned in cross-functional reviews, slowing audit progress and reducing influence.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance overviews, this course delivers specific examples, control justifications, and documented trade-offs used in real transaction environments like yours.
Frequently asked
Who is this course for?
Data Analysts who contribute to or own PCI DSS compliance artifacts in high-volume transaction environments.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Do I need prior PCI DSS experience?
No, this course builds from first principles, but moves quickly to advanced reasoning used in peer review settings.
$199 one-time. 6-8 hours of focused reading and implementation planning over two weeks.
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours