A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering PCI DSS for Senior Network Engineers
Build defensible network security architecture that earns trust and influence across infrastructure teams.
$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 seen as a checkbox operator instead of a strategic security architect.
The situation this course is for
Network engineers often implement security controls without ownership of the narrative. When PCI DSS audits arise, the conversation defaults to compliance teams, not the architects who designed the segmentation, routing policies, or firewall rules. This erases visibility into your foundational work and limits influence on future designs.
Who this is for
Senior Network Engineer with 5+ years in mid-to-large enterprises, responsible for secure network architecture, segmentation, and policy enforcement, especially in environments with payment data flows.
Who this is not for
Entry-level engineers, auditors without technical implementation experience, or professionals focused solely on cloud-native app security without network infrastructure exposure.
What you walk away with
- Lead PCI DSS scope discussions with authority, not just participation
- Produce network diagrams and control mappings that preempt auditor follow-ups
- Turn firewall rules and VLAN policies into auditable, defensible compliance artifacts
- Speak confidently across security, compliance, and application teams using shared frameworks
- Position yourself as the go-to practitioner for network-related PCI DSS decisions
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding PCI DSS Scope in Network Architecture
Learn how network topology defines PCI DSS scope. Identify CDE boundaries, segmentation methods, and common oversights in routing and switching layers.
12 chapters in this module
- What constitutes the CDE
- Logical vs physical segmentation
- Router ACLs and scope
- Switch port security roles
- Wireless network inclusions
- Remote access pathways
- Service provider links
- Cloud interconnect points
- VPN termination zones
- IoT device ingress
- Third-party tunnels
- Zone boundary validation
Module 2. Network Layer Security Requirements Overview
Map each PCI DSS requirement to network-layer controls. Build fluency in translating policy into infrastructure decisions.
12 chapters in this module
- Requirement 1 overview
- Firewall rule standards
- Default deny principle
- Change management process
- Router hardening
- Switch firmware updates
- Network segmentation
- Time-bound access
- Logging at layer 3
- Encryption in transit
- DMZ configurations
- Peer review process
Module 3. Stateful Firewall Implementation
Design and document stateful firewall deployments that meet PCI DSS Requirement 1. Focus on rule rationale, change control, and audit readiness.
12 chapters in this module
- Firewall rule documentation
- Rule justification format
- Default deny policy
- Service-specific ports
- Host-to-host filtering
- Dynamic vs static rules
- Rulebase optimization
- Logging and monitoring
- Quarterly reviews
- Automated compliance checks
- Integration with SIEM
- Incident response triggers
Module 4. Secure Router Configuration
Apply PCI DSS-aligned hardening to routers. Cover access controls, protocols, and configuration management for audit defensibility.
12 chapters in this module
- Disable unused services
- SSH over telnet
- ACL implementation
- OS update schedule
- Role-based access
- Config backup process
- Remote management security
- Logging level settings
- NTP synchronization
- SNMP security
- BGP filtering basics
- Router redundancy security
Module 5. Secure Switch Configuration
Hardening switches for PCI DSS compliance. Emphasize port security, VLAN management, and monitoring for unauthorized access.
12 chapters in this module
- Disable unused ports
- Port security enablement
- MAC address limiting
- BPDU guard usage
- Root guard configuration
- Storm control settings
- VLAN separation rules
- Trunk port restrictions
- Private VLAN use cases
- Dynamic VLAN assignment
- Logging port changes
- Automated port audits
Module 6. Network Segmentation Strategies
Design and justify segmentation that supports PCI DSS compliance. Include use of firewalls, VLANs, and routing policies.
12 chapters in this module
- Flat network risks
- Micro-segmentation basics
- East-west traffic control
- Firewall tiering
- Router-based filtering
- VRF implementation
- Air-gapped networks
- Jump host placement
- Segmentation monitoring
- Pen test validation
- Change impact analysis
- Architecture diagrams
Module 7. Secure Authentication for Network Devices
Implement strong access controls for network devices using TACACS+, RADIUS, and role-based permissions.
12 chapters in this module
- AAA framework basics
- TACACS+ vs RADIUS
- Privilege levels
- Command authorization
- Multi-factor login
- Session logging
- Time-based access
- Emergency accounts
- Account revocation
- Centralized auth server
- Fallback authentication
- Account activity review
Module 8. Wireless Network Security
Secure wireless deployments in or near PCI environments. Focus on authentication, encryption, and segmentation.
12 chapters in this module
- WPA2-Enterprise
- 802.1X authentication
- SSID segregation
- Guest network isolation
- Rogue AP detection
- Wireless IPS tools
- Client device policies
- Encryption standards
- Access point placement
- Physical security
- Wireless monitoring
- Audit trail capture
Module 9. Logging and Monitoring Network Events
Meet PCI DSS logging requirements with centralized collection, retention, and alerting strategies for network devices.
12 chapters in this module
- Log content requirements
- Centralized logging
- SIEM integration
- Log retention period
- Time synchronization
- Event correlation
- Anomaly detection
- Alert thresholds
- Log integrity checks
- Review frequency
- Incident escalation
- Retention compliance
Module 10. Vulnerability Management for Network Infrastructure
Integrate network devices into vulnerability scanning and patching cycles without disrupting operations.
12 chapters in this module
- Scope of scanning
- Scanner credentials
- Frequency standards
- Criticality ratings
- Patch validation
- Out-of-band updates
- Vendor firmware trust
- Zero-day response
- CVSS scoring
- Change window alignment
- Rollback procedures
- Reporting results
Module 11. Penetration Testing Network Defenses
Prepare for and participate in network-level penetration tests that validate PCI DSS compliance.
12 chapters in this module
- Test scope definition
- Internal vs external
- Tester access levels
- IP range validation
- Firewall rule testing
- Segmentation checks
- Vulnerability exploitation
- Reporting findings
- Remediation tracking
- Evidence collection
- Follow-up testing
- Stakeholder comms
Module 12. Documentation and Audit Preparation
Create audit-ready documentation packages that reflect actual network state and design rationale.
12 chapters in this module
- Network diagrams
- Data flow maps
- Firewall rule summaries
- Device inventory
- Configuration standards
- Change logs
- Segmentation proof
- VLAN listings
- Auth system overview
- Pen test results
- Remediation records
- Attestation templates
How this maps to your situation
- Designing a new network segment
- Preparing for annual PCI audit
- Responding to auditor follow-up
- Onboarding a new payment processing system
Before vs. after
Before
Network changes are reactive, documentation lags, and audit prep feels like damage control.
After
Your network architecture is proactively defensible, and you're consulted early on compliance-sensitive initiatives.
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters total)
- 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 3 hours per module, with most practitioners completing the course in 6-8 weeks at part-time pace.
If nothing changes
Without structured PCI DSS fluency, network decisions may be overruled by compliance teams, eroding influence and forcing rework.
How this compares to the alternatives
Generic PCI DSS training covers checklists. This course gives network engineers the precise language, artifacts, and rationale to lead from infrastructure outward.
Frequently asked
Is this course suitable for non-compliance professionals?
Yes. It’s built specifically for network engineers who need to speak confidently in compliance contexts without becoming auditors.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does the course cover cloud network security?
Yes. Modules include hybrid and cloud-connected environments, including AWS and Azure networking patterns.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 hours per module, with most practitioners completing the course in 6-8 weeks at part-time pace..
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