A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering PCI DSS for Founder-CEOs Leading Compliance Innovation
Become the recognized authority on payment security in your ecosystem
$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.
Falling back on generic compliance checklists while clients demand specialized payment security leadership
The situation this course is for
Many founder-leaders default to outsourced or templated PCI DSS approaches, missing the chance to own the narrative. This leads to fragmented execution, loss of client trust, and diluted authority when regulators or partners probe control depth.
Who this is for
Founder-CEOs at compliance-forward consultancies who need to project and deliver specialized security authority
Who this is not for
Junior compliance staff, auditors-in-training, or practitioners without client-facing delivery responsibility
What you walk away with
- Lead PCI DSS assessments with confidence grounded in control intent and real-world applicability
- Build repeatable, audit-ready documentation that scales across engagements
- Command cross-functional teams during control deployment with clear decision authority
- Serve as the escalation point for complex payment security scenarios
- Differentiate your firm with a documented, proprietary approach to PCI DSS implementation
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding PCI DSS v4.0 Evolution
Trace the shift from compliance checklist to strategic control framework. Understand how custom practices and scoping changes impact real-world implementations.
12 chapters in this module
- DSS lifecycle overview
- From v3.2.1 to v4.0
- Custom vs standard practices
- Scoping nuances
- Entity types and roles
- ROPA alignment
- Timeline of changes
- Control flexibility
- Audit expectations shift
- Documentation burden
- Migrating legacy systems
- Client communication strategies
Module 2. Scoping the Payment Environment
Learn to define and defend the CDE boundary with precision. Avoid over-scoping while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining CDE
- Network segmentation proof
- Wireless considerations
- Service provider in-scope systems
- Cloud environment boundaries
- Tokenization impact
- Out-of-scope validation
- Data flow mapping
- Exception handling
- Third-party verification
- Internal audit readiness
- Client negotiation tactics
Module 3. Building the Compliance Foundation
Establish policies, roles, and governance structures that survive leadership changes and client turnover.
12 chapters in this module
- Information security policy
- Risk assessment framework
- Penetration testing policy
- ASV scanning schedule
- Security awareness program
- Incident response plan
- Change management process
- Patch management policy
- Asset inventory standards
- Vulnerability management
- Third-party oversight
- Policy review cadence
Module 4. Access Control and Authentication
Implement granular access controls and multi-factor authentication aligned with latest DSS requirements.
12 chapters in this module
- User access reviews
- MFA implementation
- Password complexity rules
- Public account management
- Physical access controls
- Remote access security
- Session timeout settings
- Privileged access management
- Role-based access control
- Service account security
- Biometric authentication use
- Just-in-time access
Module 5. Protecting Cardholder Data
Design data storage, transmission, and disposal practices that meet strict encryption and minimization standards.
12 chapters in this module
- Data encryption methods
- Clear text data prohibition
- PAN truncation rules
- Secure key management
- Database protection techniques
- Network encryption standards
- End-to-end encryption
- Tokenization strategies
- Data retention policy
- Secure disposal methods
- Logging sensitive fields
- Masking display practices
Module 6. Vulnerability Management
Create a proactive cycle of scanning, analysis, and remediation for systems in scope.
12 chapters in this module
- ASV scanning schedule
- Internal vulnerability scans
- Penetration testing frequency
- Scan coverage validation
- Remediation tracking
- False positive handling
- Critical patch timelines
- Zero-day response
- Automated alerting
- Vulnerability scoring
- Third-party report review
- Executive reporting
Module 7. Secure System Configuration
Standardize secure baselines across servers, network devices, and cloud platforms.
12 chapters in this module
- Default password removal
- Secure configuration standards
- System hardening
- Unnecessary services disabled
- Host-based firewall use
- Change control processes
- Configuration drift detection
- Golden image maintenance
- Cloud security groups
- Container security
- Serverless configuration
- Immutable infrastructure
Module 8. Logging and Monitoring
Design centralized logging with actionable alerting and long-term retention.
12 chapters in this module
- Log generation points
- Time synchronization
- Log review procedures
- Centralized logging
- Log retention duration
- Security event types
- Alert thresholds
- SIEM integration
- Log integrity protection
- External monitoring
- Anomaly detection
- Audit trail completeness
Module 9. Network Security and Segmentation
Validate segmentation controls and firewall rule management practices that hold up under audit scrutiny.
12 chapters in this module
- Firewall rule review
- Default deny policy
- Rule documentation
- Change approval process
- Router security settings
- Wireless security standards
- Network diagram updates
- Remote access controls
- IPSEC configuration
- DNS security
- DDoS protection
- Network monitoring tools
Module 10. Third-Party Risk Oversight
Manage service provider compliance with clear documentation and validation processes.
12 chapters in this module
- Vendor due diligence
- Compliance validation methods
- Contractual obligations
- Responsibility matrices
- Subservice provider oversight
- Evidence collection
- Attestation review
- Risk tiering
- Ongoing monitoring
- Incident response coordination
- Termination procedures
- Audit rights negotiation
Module 11. Assessment and Reporting
Navigate SAQ selection, ROC preparation, and QSA interaction with confidence.
12 chapters in this module
- SAQ applicability
- ROC structure
- Attestation of compliance
- Internal review process
- QSA coordination
- Evidence organization
- Gap remediation tracking
- Executive sign-off
- Renewal cycle planning
- Assessment timing
- Client reporting formats
- Stakeholder communication
Module 12. Sustaining Long-Term Compliance
Build organizational habits and artifacts that maintain compliance between audits.
12 chapters in this module
- Annual assessment planning
- Ongoing monitoring schedule
- Policy review cadence
- Staff training refresh
- Incident testing
- Control automation
- Maturity assessment
- Client advisory updates
- Regulatory change tracking
- Internal audit schedule
- Knowledge transfer
- Playbook iteration
How this maps to your situation
- Preparing for first PCI DSS audit
- Expanding service offerings to include payment processing
- Responding to client security questionnaires
- Differentiating firm in competitive compliance marketplace
Before vs. after
Before
Reactive engagement with PCI DSS, relying on templates and external advice.
After
Proactive leadership on payment security, with internal playbooks and external recognition.
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: Approximately 2.5 hours per module, total 30 hours over 6-8 weeks.
If nothing changes
Without structured mastery, you risk being bypassed in critical payment security discussions, losing client trust, and ceding authority to consultants with deeper DSS fluency.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic online courses, this program is tailored to founder-CEOs who must project authority and lead implementation across teams and clients, with artifacts designed for real-world use.
Frequently asked
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Is PCI DSS v4.0 covered in full?
Yes, all 12 requirements and new custom practices are addressed in detail.
Do I need prior compliance experience?
No, but the course assumes leadership responsibility for compliance outcomes.
$199 one-time. Approximately 2.5 hours per module, total 30 hours over 6-8 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