A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering PCI DSS for Senior Practitioners in Data and CRM Leadership
A structured path to becoming the recognized authority on payment compliance in global data environments
$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 the default reference on PCI DSS in global data and CRM operations
The situation this course is for
Even highly capable teams face repeated review cycles when the reasoning behind control design isn’t tied directly to PCI DSS language and auditor expectations. Without a documented, defensible trail from policy intent to technical implementation, senior leaders get pulled into escalation chains rather than being consulted upfront.
Who this is for
Senior technical leaders overseeing large-scale data, analytics, and CRM operations with cross-border delivery teams and compliance accountability
Who this is not for
Individual contributors preparing for entry-level compliance roles, external auditors, or teams not actively managing CRM or data platforms under PCI DSS scope
What you walk away with
- Design PCI DSS-compliant data flows that pass internal review without rework
- Document control mappings that align directly with Requirement 3 and Requirement 4 standards
- Lead cross-functional alignment using pre-built justification templates for segmentation and encryption decisions
- Produce artefacts that serve as reference for future audits and team onboarding
- Become the go-to internal resource for PCI DSS interpretation in CRM and data environments
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Foundations of PCI DSS in Data-Rich CRM Environments
Establish the core requirements of PCI DSS with emphasis on data flows, storage boundaries, and CRM-specific obligations. Learn how Requirement 1 through Requirement 3 apply uniquely in offshore-delivered analytics models.
12 chapters in this module
- Scope definition in CRM systems
- Data flow mapping techniques
- Cardholder data identification
- Primary account number handling
- Tokenization vs truncation
- Storage prohibition policies
- Encryption baseline standards
- Compensating controls path
- Requirement 1 overview
- Requirement 2 fundamentals
- Requirement 3 deep dive
- Common misconceptions clarified
Module 2. Network Controls and Segmentation Strategies
Define and enforce network segmentation that satisfies PCI DSS Requirement 1, focusing on separation between CRM platforms and internal data warehouses. Implement practical firewall rule design and review cadence.
12 chapters in this module
- Flat network risks
- Micro-segmentation principles
- Firewall rule documentation
- Router access control
- DMZ architecture patterns
- Jump host configuration
- Wireless network exclusion
- Remote access logging
- Segmentation testing
- One-way trust models
- VLAN isolation
- Penetration testing scope
Module 3. Secure System Configuration and Hardening
Apply CIS Controls-aligned hardening to systems processing CRM data, ensuring compliance with PCI DSS Requirement 2. Address default settings, vendor accounts, and unnecessary services.
12 chapters in this module
- Default credentials removal
- System configuration baselines
- Unnecessary services disabled
- Secure configuration policy
- CIS Benchmark alignment
- Golden image management
- Patch management rhythm
- Vulnerability scanning cadence
- Software inventory tracking
- Admin session logging
- Secure protocols enforced
- System integrity checks
Module 4. Protecting Stored Cardholder Data
Implement controls under Requirement 3 to ensure cardholder data is never stored in CRM or analytics databases unless explicitly justified and protected. Use encryption, tokenization, and data masking strategies.
12 chapters in this module
- Data retention policy design
- Tokenization implementation
- Encryption key scope
- Masking in reporting
- Data lifecycle control
- Legacy system remediation
- Database encryption options
- Search functionality limits
- Audit trail requirements
- Data purging automation
- Encryption metadata handling
- Compensating control justification
Module 5. Cryptographic Controls and Key Management
Operationalize Requirement 4 by designing strong encryption for cardholder data in transit and at rest. Establish key management practices that satisfy auditor scrutiny.
12 chapters in this module
- TLS 1.2 enforcement
- Encryption in transit
- Key rotation schedule
- HSM integration
- Key backup procedures
- Key access logging
- Certificate lifecycle
- Cryptography standards
- Algorithm deprecation
- Outbound API protection
- End-to-end encryption
- Ciphertext handling
Module 6. Access Control and Role-Based Permissions
Align Requirement 7 and Requirement 8 with your CRM and data platform access models. Design role-based access controls that limit exposure while supporting team productivity.
12 chapters in this module
- Two-factor authentication
- User access review
- Role definition process
- Least privilege enforcement
- Service account governance
- Access request workflow
- Password complexity rules
- Session timeout policy
- Admin access tracking
- Biometric authentication
- Remote access controls
- Single sign-on integration
Module 7. Logging, Monitoring, and Event Retention
Meet Requirement 10 by implementing centralized logging and alerting for systems handling cardholder data. Ensure logs are immutable and reviewable for forensic readiness.
12 chapters in this module
- Log capture scope
- Event timestamp accuracy
- Log retention period
- Immutable logging
- SIEM integration
- Event correlation
- Failed login tracking
- File integrity monitoring
- Log review procedure
- Event retention automation
- Alert response workflow
- Forensic readiness
Module 8. Vulnerability Management and Patch Execution
Operationalize Requirement 6 with structured patch cycles, vulnerability scanning, and risk-based exception handling tailored to CRM and data environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Vulnerability scanning schedule
- Penetration testing scope
- Patch deployment rhythm
- Critical patch window
- Risk acceptance process
- Third-party patch validation
- Zero-day response
- Asset inventory accuracy
- Scan coverage validation
- Remediation tracking
- False positive handling
- Monthly scan execution
Module 9. Physical Security and Facility Controls
Address Requirement 9 for data centres and office locations supporting offshore CRM teams. Document physical access controls and visitor procedures.
12 chapters in this module
- Data centre access
- Visitor sign-in process
- Badge access levels
- Camera coverage
- Secure disposal policy
- Media storage security
- Physical intrusion detection
- Workstation locking
- Office access hours
- Shredding procedures
- Media transfer controls
- Facility audit trail
Module 10. Policy, Documentation, and Compliance Evidence
Build Requirement 12-compliant policies with version control, approval trails, and role-specific training attestations that withstand auditor review.
12 chapters in this module
- Policy version control
- Annual review cycle
- Document retention
- Employee attestation
- Third-party agreements
- Compliance responsibility
- Risk assessment process
- Business continuity plan
- Incident response plan
- Policy distribution
- Training completion tracking
- Audit evidence pack
Module 11. Point-to-Point Encryption and Tokenization Design
Apply Requirement 4.1 and 4.2 to CRM transaction flows using modern P2PE and tokenization patterns that reduce scope and increase trust.
12 chapters in this module
- P2PE solution evaluation
- Tokenization gateway
- Transaction flow design
- Key injection process
- Device certification
- Encryption zone boundary
- Token mapping security
- Vault architecture
- Token reversal controls
- Fallback mechanism
- Split encryption model
- End-to-end validation
Module 12. Audit Readiness and Assessor Collaboration
Prepare for successful PCI DSS assessments by aligning documentation, walkthroughs, and evidence with QSAC expectations. Build confidence in pre-audit reviews.
12 chapters in this module
- AoC preparation
- Evidence checklist
- Assessor briefing
- On-site coordination
- Interview readiness
- Control mapping document
- Remediation tracking
- Scope refinement
- Gap analysis process
- Pre-assessment review
- Executive summary
- Final submission
How this maps to your situation
- Post-merger integration of CRM platforms
- Offshore team compliance alignment
- CRM platform modernization under audit scrutiny
- Global data governance expansion
Before vs. after
Before
Frequent audit cycles, fragmented control ownership, and reactive escalations on scope and compliance decisions
After
First-review pass rates for PCI DSS controls, team-wide consistency in implementation, and recognition as the authoritative internal reference
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 3 hours per module, designed to be completed alongside active projects.
If nothing changes
Without structured implementation knowledge, teams default to over-scoping, inconsistent controls, and repeated auditor queries, increasing cost, delay, and leadership visibility on rework rather than progress.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic PCI DSS overviews, this course is built specifically for senior leaders managing offshore CRM and data teams, focusing on implementation, team consistency, and audit readiness rather than awareness alone.
Frequently asked
Is this course technical or strategic?
It’s implementation-focused, bridging technical control design with leadership accountability. You’ll gain both the 'how' and the 'why' to lead confident decisions.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Is PCI DSS the only framework covered?
The focus is exclusively on PCI DSS implementation. CIS Controls are referenced as supporting guidance but not the primary anchor.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 hours per module, designed to be completed alongside active projects..
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