PCI Compliance A Complete Guide
You're not alone if you've ever lost sleep over a compliance audit, a cryptic requirement, or the fear of a six-figure fine. The world of payment security moves fast, and the stakes have never been higher. One oversight, one misconfigured setting, one outdated policy, and your organisation could face data breaches, legal exposure, and irreversible reputational damage. Meanwhile, PCI DSS isn’t getting simpler. With evolving threats, cloud environments, and distributed teams, maintaining compliance feels less like a checklist and more like a full-time job. But here’s the truth: PCI Compliance A Complete Guide isn’t another dense manual or a fragmented set of rules. It’s your step-by-step blueprint to master every requirement, prove compliance with confidence, and turn PCI from a liability into a strategic advantage. This course delivers the clarity you need to go from overwhelmed to board-ready in 30 days. You’ll build a complete, auditable compliance framework tailored to your organisation’s size and tech stack, supported by real templates, checklists, and decision pathways-field-tested by compliance leads across fintech, e-commerce, and global SaaS platforms. Like Sarah K., a Senior Risk Analyst at a fast-growing fintech firm, who used this exact methodology to pass her first Level 1 PCI audit in under eight weeks. Her team had failed two prior self-assessments. After applying the structured approach from this course, she submitted her SAQ with zero findings-and earned recognition from her CISO for “operational excellence under pressure.” This isn’t theoretical. It’s what auditors actually look for. It’s what security teams use to defend their posture. And it’s how professionals like you gain influence, avoid costly consultants, and future-proof their careers in an era where data protection is non-negotiable. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details This is a self-paced, on-demand course with immediate online access. You begin the moment you enrol, with no fixed dates, mandatory sessions, or scheduling conflicts. Designed for busy professionals, the average learner completes the core material in 25 to 30 hours, with many implementing critical compliance milestones in under two weeks. You gain lifetime access to all course content, including every template, checklist, and framework. Updates are delivered automatically and included at no extra cost, ensuring your knowledge remains current with the latest PCI DSS revisions, interpretations, and enforcement trends. Access is available 24/7 from any device-fully mobile-friendly-so you can continue your progress from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, anywhere in the world. Ongoing Instructor Support & Professional Guidance
You’re never working in isolation. This course includes direct access to a dedicated compliance mentor for guidance on policy structuring, scoping, and auditor communication. Whether you're interpreting Requirement 11.3, documenting compensating controls, or determining SAQ eligibility, expert insights are built into key decision points. You’ll also receive detailed feedback on your final compliance project before earning your certification. Global Recognition & Career Advancement
Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service-a globally recognised credential trusted by enterprises in 70+ countries. This certification demonstrates mastery of PCI DSS across all 12 requirements and is regularly cited by alumni in job promotions, audit defence packages, and internal governance proposals. Employers verify this credential directly through our secure registry. Transparent, Risk-Free Enrollment
Pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees, recurring charges, or surprise costs. One payment grants full access to all materials and future updates. We accept all major payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, processed through a secure, PCI-compliant gateway. We stand behind the results so completely that we offer a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee. If you complete the core modules and don’t feel significantly more confident in your ability to achieve or validate PCI compliance, simply request a refund. No questions, no hoops. After enrollment, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Your access details and course portal login will be sent separately once your registration is fully processed and your materials are synchronised to your learning profile. This Works Even If…
- You’ve never passed a PCI audit before
- Your environment includes cloud services, APIs, or third-party processors
- You’re not in IT or security-but need to own compliance for your team
- Your company handles just a few thousand transactions a year
- You’re relying on outdated policies or inherited documentation
Our alumni include compliance officers, IT managers, security analysts, CISOs, and even non-technical executives in fintech, retail, healthcare, and SaaS. They succeeded because this course strips away the jargon, focuses only on what auditors require, and gives you the tools to prove compliance-not just claim it.
Module 1: Foundations of PCI DSS - Introduction to payment card ecosystems
- Understanding the five stakeholder roles in PCI
- Evolution of the PCI Security Standards Council
- Scope and applicability of PCI DSS across industries
- Differences between PCI DSS, PA-DSS, and P2PE
- Definition of cardholder data and sensitive authentication data
- Data flow mapping fundamentals
- The importance of scoping and segmentation
- How payment channels affect compliance obligations
- Common misconceptions about PCI DSS scope
- Understanding merchant levels and service provider tiers
- Transaction volume thresholds and their impact
- The role of acquiring banks in enforcement
- How processors influence compliance strategy
- Overview of Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs)
- Basics of ROC, AOC, and ROC submission
- How internal policies align with compliance
- Introduction to ongoing compliance responsibilities
- The annual audit lifecycle explained
- Key differences between validation and certification
Module 2: Requirement 1 – Firewalls and Network Security - Defining firewall policies for PCI environments
- Creating a formal, documented network topology
- Designing secure firewalls between networks
- Applying the principle of least functionality
- Maintaining default-deny rulesets
- Documenting all firewall changes
- Implementing change management for firewall rules
- Difference between stateful and stateless inspection
- Configuring firewall logging and monitoring
- Validating firewall effectiveness through testing
- Handling virtual firewalls in cloud environments
- Managing firewall redundancy and failover
- Integrating firewalls with intrusion detection systems
- Securing firewall administrator access
- Aligning firewall rules with data flow maps
- Auditor expectations for firewall documentation
- Troubleshooting common firewall misconfigurations
- Using network diagrams to support validation
- Documenting allowed services and ports
- Enforcing secure remote access through firewalls
Module 3: Requirement 2 – System Passwords and Security Parameters - Eliminating vendor-supplied defaults
- Creating and maintaining a system parameter checklist
- Documenting secure configuration baselines
- Defining roles for system configuration management
- Implementing password complexity requirements
- Enforcing password rotation policies
- Securing administrative account access
- Managing shared and generic accounts
- Disabling unnecessary accounts and services
- Using unique user IDs for system access
- Implementing multi-factor authentication for admin access
- Securing system configuration files
- Secure storage of configuration documentation
- Automating parameter checks across systems
- Conducting regular reviews of system settings
- Applying secure configurations to virtual machines
- Configuring secure boot and firmware settings
- Handling default passwords in IoT and POS devices
- Integrating parameter management with IAM
- Audit trail configuration for system changes
Module 4: Requirement 3 – Protecting Stored Cardholder Data - Identifying where cardholder data is stored
- Minimising data retention through policy
- Defining data retention schedules
- Implementing data masking techniques
- Using tokenisation to reduce scope
- Understanding irreversible truncation rules
- Documenting data disposal procedures
- Securing data in backup environments
- Encrypting stored data at rest
- Selecting FIPS-validated encryption methods
- Managing encryption key storage securely
- Implementing key rotation schedules
- Defining access to encrypted data repositories
- Monitoring access to stored PII
- Handling legacy systems storing card data
- Developing data flow maps for storage paths
- Proving data minimisation to auditors
- Integrating data protection with IAM
- Using access logs for forensic investigations
- Responding to unauthorised access events
Module 5: Requirement 4 – Encrypting Transmission of Cardholder Data - Securing data over open networks
- Implementing strong cryptography protocols
- Disabling legacy encryption (SSL, early TLS)
- Transitioning to TLS 1.2 or higher
- Validating certificate chain integrity
- Managing certificate lifecycles
- Configuring secure ciphers for data in transit
- Protecting wireless networks transmitting card data
- Setting WPA2-Enterprise for wireless access
- Disabling WEP and open access points
- Implementing wireless intrusion detection
- Mapping wireless usage across locations
- Securing mobile payments and POS devices
- Using end-to-end encryption for remote access
- Validating encryption with external scanning
- Testing communication paths for exposure
- Documenting encryption methods used
- Proving encryption to assessors
- Handling secure email for card data
- Integrating encryption with logging
Module 6: Requirement 5 – Malware Protection - Deploying anti-malware software on all systems
- Selecting PCI-compliant endpoint protection
- Configuring real-time scanning schedules
- Updating malware definitions automatically
- Managing exceptions and false positives
- Monitoring for failed updates
- Securing update servers and patch distribution
- Logging malware detection events
- Responding to malware incidents
- Integrating with SIEM and SOC workflows
- Handling POS systems with custom malware risks
- Protecting virtual desktop environments
- Securing third-party systems with access
- Documenting malware policy enforcement
- Validating protection across all in-scope systems
- Using whitelisting in high-risk environments
- Implementing host-based intrusion prevention
- Testing malware response playbooks
- Reporting malware stats to compliance teams
- Preparing evidence for auditors
Module 7: Requirement 6 – Secure Systems and Software Development - Developing secure coding policies
- Implementing secure software development lifecycle
- Conducting code reviews for vulnerabilities
- Integrating automated code scanning
- Handling patch management for in-house apps
- Documenting patch deployment timelines
- Applying critical security patches within one month
- Using vulnerability databases (CVE, NVD)
- Subscribing to vendor security alerts
- Creating a central patch management register
- Testing patches in non-production environments
- Tracking patch status across systems
- Handling unsupported or legacy software
- Managing open-source component risks
- Integrating security into CI/CD pipelines
- Developing custom applications securely
- Using input validation and output encoding
- Securing APIs that handle card data
- Authenticating and logging API access
- Enforcing role-based access in custom software
Module 8: Requirement 7 – Access Control - Defining need-to-know access principles
- Mapping business roles to system access
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC)
- Creating access request and approval workflows
- Automating user provisioning and deprovisioning
- Enforcing separation of duties
- Reviewing user access quarterly
- Documenting access rights for auditors
- Securing administrative privileges
- Managing just-in-time access
- Handling contractor and vendor access
- Using time-limited access tokens
- Logging privileged account activity
- Integrating with identity providers (IdP)
- Using single sign-on securely
- Defining acceptable use policies
- Enforcing access controls on cloud platforms
- Mapping IAM to PCI scope
- Handling shared accounts with audit trails
- Conducting access certification reviews
Module 9: Requirement 8 – Strong Authentication - Enforcing unique user identification
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Selecting MFA methods (SMS, TOTP, hardware tokens)
- Applying MFA for all non-console access
- Requiring MFA for remote network access
- Securing administrative console access
- Handling emergency break-glass accounts
- Using biometric authentication securely
- Integrating MFA with directory services
- Defining password length and complexity
- Setting password expiration policies
- Preventing password reuse across systems
- Storing passwords using strong hashing
- Securing password recovery mechanisms
- Monitoring for brute force attacks
- Logging failed login attempts
- Locking accounts after excessive attempts
- Notifying users of access changes
- Conducting authentication audits
- Proving MFA coverage to assessors
Module 10: Requirement 9 – Physical Security - Securing data centres and server rooms
- Implementing access logs for physical entry
- Using badge systems with audit trails
- Restricting access to in-scope systems
- Securing POS devices against tampering
- Conducting regular device inspections
- Tracking physical asset inventory
- Documenting hardware disposal procedures
- Using locking mechanisms for workstations
- Securing paper records containing card data
- Handling shred policies for sensitive documents
- Managing visitor access in PCI environments
- Logging all physical access events
- Using surveillance systems effectively
- Integrating physical and logical access
- Securing offsite backup storage
- Handling mobile device security
- Using asset tagging for compliance
- Conducting physical security risk assessments
- Demonstrating physical controls to auditors
Module 11: Requirement 10 – Logging and Monitoring - Implementing automated audit trails
- Logging all access to cardholder data
- Recording system events and configuration changes
- Using standardised time sources (NTP)
- Securing log files against alteration
- Storing logs for at least one year
- Ensuring six months of logs are immediately available
- Using centralised log management (SIEM)
- Configuring real-time alerting for critical events
- Monitoring failed login attempts
- Tracking privileged account activity
- Integrating with security operations centres
- Generating daily log review reports
- Documenting log management procedures
- Validating log integrity through hashing
- Handling log retention in cloud environments
- Using immutable log storage options
- Proving monitoring coverage during audits
- Responding to suspicious log events
- Integrating logs with incident response
Module 12: Requirement 11 – Vulnerability Management - Conducting internal and external vulnerability scans
- Using ASV-certified scanning vendors
- Running scans quarterly and after network changes
- Addressing critical findings within 30 days
- Documenting remediation efforts
- Re-scanning to verify fixes
- Configuring scan coverage across scope
- Handling false positives responsibly
- Integrating scanning with CI/CD
- Using intrusion detection and prevention systems
- Monitoring for unauthorised wireless access
- Detecting rogue devices on the network
- Analysing packet captures for anomalies
- Conducting penetration testing annually
- Engaging qualified penetration testers
- Defining test scope and objectives
- Reviewing and acting on penetration test reports
- Documenting compensating controls
- Proving ongoing vulnerability management
- Aligning testing with business cycles
Module 13: Requirement 12 – Security Policies and Governance - Developing a formal information security policy
- Documenting PCI compliance responsibilities
- Creating a risk assessment process
- Conducting annual risk assessments
- Documenting risk treatment plans
- Establishing a formal incident response plan
- Defining roles for incident handling
- Conducting regular incident response testing
- Creating a disaster recovery plan
- Integrating business continuity planning
- Developing a vendor management policy
- Assessing third-party compliance obligations
- Conducting due diligence on service providers
- Requiring contractual PCI compliance clauses
- Maintaining an up-to-date compliance calendar
- Hosting regular compliance review meetings
- Reporting to executives and boards
- Training employees on security policies
- Documenting annual employee training completion
- Proving policy enforcement during audits
Module 14: Scoping, Segmentation, and SAQ Selection - Identifying all system components in scope
- Creating detailed network diagrams
- Mapping cardholder data flows
- Applying network segmentation effectively
- Using VLANs, firewalls, and ACLs for isolation
- Proving segmentation with testing
- Determining SAQ applicability
- Choosing between SAQ A, B, C, D, etc.
- Understanding point-to-point encryption exemptions
- Handling e-commerce and mail-order/telephone-order
- Delegating responsibility to service providers
- Using Attestation of Compliance from providers
- Validating provider compliance status
- Managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Handling mobile payment applications
- Addressing co-hosted server risks
- Documenting scope justification
- Preparing for scope challenges from auditors
- Updating scope after system changes
- Finalising scope before audit submission
Module 15: Building Your Compliance Framework - Creating a central compliance repository
- Developing a compliance project plan
- Assigning roles and responsibilities
- Setting measurable compliance milestones
- Integrating compliance with operational workflows
- Using version control for documentation
- Establishing a compliance review cycle
- Conducting gap assessments
- Tracking remediation progress
- Documenting compensating controls
- Writing executive summaries for governance
- Aligning compliance with corporate strategy
- Presenting compliance status to leadership
- Developing a culture of security awareness
- Generating compliance reports
- Integrating with enterprise risk management
- Using audit checklists for readiness
- Conducting mock audits
- Scheduling internal reviews quarterly
- Preparing for external assessment
Module 16: Certification, Ongoing Maintenance & Career Advancement - Completing your final compliance project
- Submitting your SAQ or ROC
- Obtaining your Attestation of Compliance
- Submitting evidence to your acquirer
- Handling QSA review comments
- Responding to auditor findings
- Implementing continuous monitoring
- Updating policies annually
- Conducting regular staff training
- Tracking compliance KPIs
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job opportunities
- Adding certified credentials to your LinkedIn profile
- Using your project portfolio in interviews
- Publishing compliance achievements internally
- Advancing from technician to strategic advisor
- Transitioning into CISO, CRO, or GRC roles
- Validating compliance across mergers and acquisitions
- Leading organisational security transformation
- Becoming a trusted internal auditor
- Preparing for the next evolution of PCI standards
- Introduction to payment card ecosystems
- Understanding the five stakeholder roles in PCI
- Evolution of the PCI Security Standards Council
- Scope and applicability of PCI DSS across industries
- Differences between PCI DSS, PA-DSS, and P2PE
- Definition of cardholder data and sensitive authentication data
- Data flow mapping fundamentals
- The importance of scoping and segmentation
- How payment channels affect compliance obligations
- Common misconceptions about PCI DSS scope
- Understanding merchant levels and service provider tiers
- Transaction volume thresholds and their impact
- The role of acquiring banks in enforcement
- How processors influence compliance strategy
- Overview of Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs)
- Basics of ROC, AOC, and ROC submission
- How internal policies align with compliance
- Introduction to ongoing compliance responsibilities
- The annual audit lifecycle explained
- Key differences between validation and certification
Module 2: Requirement 1 – Firewalls and Network Security - Defining firewall policies for PCI environments
- Creating a formal, documented network topology
- Designing secure firewalls between networks
- Applying the principle of least functionality
- Maintaining default-deny rulesets
- Documenting all firewall changes
- Implementing change management for firewall rules
- Difference between stateful and stateless inspection
- Configuring firewall logging and monitoring
- Validating firewall effectiveness through testing
- Handling virtual firewalls in cloud environments
- Managing firewall redundancy and failover
- Integrating firewalls with intrusion detection systems
- Securing firewall administrator access
- Aligning firewall rules with data flow maps
- Auditor expectations for firewall documentation
- Troubleshooting common firewall misconfigurations
- Using network diagrams to support validation
- Documenting allowed services and ports
- Enforcing secure remote access through firewalls
Module 3: Requirement 2 – System Passwords and Security Parameters - Eliminating vendor-supplied defaults
- Creating and maintaining a system parameter checklist
- Documenting secure configuration baselines
- Defining roles for system configuration management
- Implementing password complexity requirements
- Enforcing password rotation policies
- Securing administrative account access
- Managing shared and generic accounts
- Disabling unnecessary accounts and services
- Using unique user IDs for system access
- Implementing multi-factor authentication for admin access
- Securing system configuration files
- Secure storage of configuration documentation
- Automating parameter checks across systems
- Conducting regular reviews of system settings
- Applying secure configurations to virtual machines
- Configuring secure boot and firmware settings
- Handling default passwords in IoT and POS devices
- Integrating parameter management with IAM
- Audit trail configuration for system changes
Module 4: Requirement 3 – Protecting Stored Cardholder Data - Identifying where cardholder data is stored
- Minimising data retention through policy
- Defining data retention schedules
- Implementing data masking techniques
- Using tokenisation to reduce scope
- Understanding irreversible truncation rules
- Documenting data disposal procedures
- Securing data in backup environments
- Encrypting stored data at rest
- Selecting FIPS-validated encryption methods
- Managing encryption key storage securely
- Implementing key rotation schedules
- Defining access to encrypted data repositories
- Monitoring access to stored PII
- Handling legacy systems storing card data
- Developing data flow maps for storage paths
- Proving data minimisation to auditors
- Integrating data protection with IAM
- Using access logs for forensic investigations
- Responding to unauthorised access events
Module 5: Requirement 4 – Encrypting Transmission of Cardholder Data - Securing data over open networks
- Implementing strong cryptography protocols
- Disabling legacy encryption (SSL, early TLS)
- Transitioning to TLS 1.2 or higher
- Validating certificate chain integrity
- Managing certificate lifecycles
- Configuring secure ciphers for data in transit
- Protecting wireless networks transmitting card data
- Setting WPA2-Enterprise for wireless access
- Disabling WEP and open access points
- Implementing wireless intrusion detection
- Mapping wireless usage across locations
- Securing mobile payments and POS devices
- Using end-to-end encryption for remote access
- Validating encryption with external scanning
- Testing communication paths for exposure
- Documenting encryption methods used
- Proving encryption to assessors
- Handling secure email for card data
- Integrating encryption with logging
Module 6: Requirement 5 – Malware Protection - Deploying anti-malware software on all systems
- Selecting PCI-compliant endpoint protection
- Configuring real-time scanning schedules
- Updating malware definitions automatically
- Managing exceptions and false positives
- Monitoring for failed updates
- Securing update servers and patch distribution
- Logging malware detection events
- Responding to malware incidents
- Integrating with SIEM and SOC workflows
- Handling POS systems with custom malware risks
- Protecting virtual desktop environments
- Securing third-party systems with access
- Documenting malware policy enforcement
- Validating protection across all in-scope systems
- Using whitelisting in high-risk environments
- Implementing host-based intrusion prevention
- Testing malware response playbooks
- Reporting malware stats to compliance teams
- Preparing evidence for auditors
Module 7: Requirement 6 – Secure Systems and Software Development - Developing secure coding policies
- Implementing secure software development lifecycle
- Conducting code reviews for vulnerabilities
- Integrating automated code scanning
- Handling patch management for in-house apps
- Documenting patch deployment timelines
- Applying critical security patches within one month
- Using vulnerability databases (CVE, NVD)
- Subscribing to vendor security alerts
- Creating a central patch management register
- Testing patches in non-production environments
- Tracking patch status across systems
- Handling unsupported or legacy software
- Managing open-source component risks
- Integrating security into CI/CD pipelines
- Developing custom applications securely
- Using input validation and output encoding
- Securing APIs that handle card data
- Authenticating and logging API access
- Enforcing role-based access in custom software
Module 8: Requirement 7 – Access Control - Defining need-to-know access principles
- Mapping business roles to system access
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC)
- Creating access request and approval workflows
- Automating user provisioning and deprovisioning
- Enforcing separation of duties
- Reviewing user access quarterly
- Documenting access rights for auditors
- Securing administrative privileges
- Managing just-in-time access
- Handling contractor and vendor access
- Using time-limited access tokens
- Logging privileged account activity
- Integrating with identity providers (IdP)
- Using single sign-on securely
- Defining acceptable use policies
- Enforcing access controls on cloud platforms
- Mapping IAM to PCI scope
- Handling shared accounts with audit trails
- Conducting access certification reviews
Module 9: Requirement 8 – Strong Authentication - Enforcing unique user identification
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Selecting MFA methods (SMS, TOTP, hardware tokens)
- Applying MFA for all non-console access
- Requiring MFA for remote network access
- Securing administrative console access
- Handling emergency break-glass accounts
- Using biometric authentication securely
- Integrating MFA with directory services
- Defining password length and complexity
- Setting password expiration policies
- Preventing password reuse across systems
- Storing passwords using strong hashing
- Securing password recovery mechanisms
- Monitoring for brute force attacks
- Logging failed login attempts
- Locking accounts after excessive attempts
- Notifying users of access changes
- Conducting authentication audits
- Proving MFA coverage to assessors
Module 10: Requirement 9 – Physical Security - Securing data centres and server rooms
- Implementing access logs for physical entry
- Using badge systems with audit trails
- Restricting access to in-scope systems
- Securing POS devices against tampering
- Conducting regular device inspections
- Tracking physical asset inventory
- Documenting hardware disposal procedures
- Using locking mechanisms for workstations
- Securing paper records containing card data
- Handling shred policies for sensitive documents
- Managing visitor access in PCI environments
- Logging all physical access events
- Using surveillance systems effectively
- Integrating physical and logical access
- Securing offsite backup storage
- Handling mobile device security
- Using asset tagging for compliance
- Conducting physical security risk assessments
- Demonstrating physical controls to auditors
Module 11: Requirement 10 – Logging and Monitoring - Implementing automated audit trails
- Logging all access to cardholder data
- Recording system events and configuration changes
- Using standardised time sources (NTP)
- Securing log files against alteration
- Storing logs for at least one year
- Ensuring six months of logs are immediately available
- Using centralised log management (SIEM)
- Configuring real-time alerting for critical events
- Monitoring failed login attempts
- Tracking privileged account activity
- Integrating with security operations centres
- Generating daily log review reports
- Documenting log management procedures
- Validating log integrity through hashing
- Handling log retention in cloud environments
- Using immutable log storage options
- Proving monitoring coverage during audits
- Responding to suspicious log events
- Integrating logs with incident response
Module 12: Requirement 11 – Vulnerability Management - Conducting internal and external vulnerability scans
- Using ASV-certified scanning vendors
- Running scans quarterly and after network changes
- Addressing critical findings within 30 days
- Documenting remediation efforts
- Re-scanning to verify fixes
- Configuring scan coverage across scope
- Handling false positives responsibly
- Integrating scanning with CI/CD
- Using intrusion detection and prevention systems
- Monitoring for unauthorised wireless access
- Detecting rogue devices on the network
- Analysing packet captures for anomalies
- Conducting penetration testing annually
- Engaging qualified penetration testers
- Defining test scope and objectives
- Reviewing and acting on penetration test reports
- Documenting compensating controls
- Proving ongoing vulnerability management
- Aligning testing with business cycles
Module 13: Requirement 12 – Security Policies and Governance - Developing a formal information security policy
- Documenting PCI compliance responsibilities
- Creating a risk assessment process
- Conducting annual risk assessments
- Documenting risk treatment plans
- Establishing a formal incident response plan
- Defining roles for incident handling
- Conducting regular incident response testing
- Creating a disaster recovery plan
- Integrating business continuity planning
- Developing a vendor management policy
- Assessing third-party compliance obligations
- Conducting due diligence on service providers
- Requiring contractual PCI compliance clauses
- Maintaining an up-to-date compliance calendar
- Hosting regular compliance review meetings
- Reporting to executives and boards
- Training employees on security policies
- Documenting annual employee training completion
- Proving policy enforcement during audits
Module 14: Scoping, Segmentation, and SAQ Selection - Identifying all system components in scope
- Creating detailed network diagrams
- Mapping cardholder data flows
- Applying network segmentation effectively
- Using VLANs, firewalls, and ACLs for isolation
- Proving segmentation with testing
- Determining SAQ applicability
- Choosing between SAQ A, B, C, D, etc.
- Understanding point-to-point encryption exemptions
- Handling e-commerce and mail-order/telephone-order
- Delegating responsibility to service providers
- Using Attestation of Compliance from providers
- Validating provider compliance status
- Managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Handling mobile payment applications
- Addressing co-hosted server risks
- Documenting scope justification
- Preparing for scope challenges from auditors
- Updating scope after system changes
- Finalising scope before audit submission
Module 15: Building Your Compliance Framework - Creating a central compliance repository
- Developing a compliance project plan
- Assigning roles and responsibilities
- Setting measurable compliance milestones
- Integrating compliance with operational workflows
- Using version control for documentation
- Establishing a compliance review cycle
- Conducting gap assessments
- Tracking remediation progress
- Documenting compensating controls
- Writing executive summaries for governance
- Aligning compliance with corporate strategy
- Presenting compliance status to leadership
- Developing a culture of security awareness
- Generating compliance reports
- Integrating with enterprise risk management
- Using audit checklists for readiness
- Conducting mock audits
- Scheduling internal reviews quarterly
- Preparing for external assessment
Module 16: Certification, Ongoing Maintenance & Career Advancement - Completing your final compliance project
- Submitting your SAQ or ROC
- Obtaining your Attestation of Compliance
- Submitting evidence to your acquirer
- Handling QSA review comments
- Responding to auditor findings
- Implementing continuous monitoring
- Updating policies annually
- Conducting regular staff training
- Tracking compliance KPIs
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job opportunities
- Adding certified credentials to your LinkedIn profile
- Using your project portfolio in interviews
- Publishing compliance achievements internally
- Advancing from technician to strategic advisor
- Transitioning into CISO, CRO, or GRC roles
- Validating compliance across mergers and acquisitions
- Leading organisational security transformation
- Becoming a trusted internal auditor
- Preparing for the next evolution of PCI standards
- Eliminating vendor-supplied defaults
- Creating and maintaining a system parameter checklist
- Documenting secure configuration baselines
- Defining roles for system configuration management
- Implementing password complexity requirements
- Enforcing password rotation policies
- Securing administrative account access
- Managing shared and generic accounts
- Disabling unnecessary accounts and services
- Using unique user IDs for system access
- Implementing multi-factor authentication for admin access
- Securing system configuration files
- Secure storage of configuration documentation
- Automating parameter checks across systems
- Conducting regular reviews of system settings
- Applying secure configurations to virtual machines
- Configuring secure boot and firmware settings
- Handling default passwords in IoT and POS devices
- Integrating parameter management with IAM
- Audit trail configuration for system changes
Module 4: Requirement 3 – Protecting Stored Cardholder Data - Identifying where cardholder data is stored
- Minimising data retention through policy
- Defining data retention schedules
- Implementing data masking techniques
- Using tokenisation to reduce scope
- Understanding irreversible truncation rules
- Documenting data disposal procedures
- Securing data in backup environments
- Encrypting stored data at rest
- Selecting FIPS-validated encryption methods
- Managing encryption key storage securely
- Implementing key rotation schedules
- Defining access to encrypted data repositories
- Monitoring access to stored PII
- Handling legacy systems storing card data
- Developing data flow maps for storage paths
- Proving data minimisation to auditors
- Integrating data protection with IAM
- Using access logs for forensic investigations
- Responding to unauthorised access events
Module 5: Requirement 4 – Encrypting Transmission of Cardholder Data - Securing data over open networks
- Implementing strong cryptography protocols
- Disabling legacy encryption (SSL, early TLS)
- Transitioning to TLS 1.2 or higher
- Validating certificate chain integrity
- Managing certificate lifecycles
- Configuring secure ciphers for data in transit
- Protecting wireless networks transmitting card data
- Setting WPA2-Enterprise for wireless access
- Disabling WEP and open access points
- Implementing wireless intrusion detection
- Mapping wireless usage across locations
- Securing mobile payments and POS devices
- Using end-to-end encryption for remote access
- Validating encryption with external scanning
- Testing communication paths for exposure
- Documenting encryption methods used
- Proving encryption to assessors
- Handling secure email for card data
- Integrating encryption with logging
Module 6: Requirement 5 – Malware Protection - Deploying anti-malware software on all systems
- Selecting PCI-compliant endpoint protection
- Configuring real-time scanning schedules
- Updating malware definitions automatically
- Managing exceptions and false positives
- Monitoring for failed updates
- Securing update servers and patch distribution
- Logging malware detection events
- Responding to malware incidents
- Integrating with SIEM and SOC workflows
- Handling POS systems with custom malware risks
- Protecting virtual desktop environments
- Securing third-party systems with access
- Documenting malware policy enforcement
- Validating protection across all in-scope systems
- Using whitelisting in high-risk environments
- Implementing host-based intrusion prevention
- Testing malware response playbooks
- Reporting malware stats to compliance teams
- Preparing evidence for auditors
Module 7: Requirement 6 – Secure Systems and Software Development - Developing secure coding policies
- Implementing secure software development lifecycle
- Conducting code reviews for vulnerabilities
- Integrating automated code scanning
- Handling patch management for in-house apps
- Documenting patch deployment timelines
- Applying critical security patches within one month
- Using vulnerability databases (CVE, NVD)
- Subscribing to vendor security alerts
- Creating a central patch management register
- Testing patches in non-production environments
- Tracking patch status across systems
- Handling unsupported or legacy software
- Managing open-source component risks
- Integrating security into CI/CD pipelines
- Developing custom applications securely
- Using input validation and output encoding
- Securing APIs that handle card data
- Authenticating and logging API access
- Enforcing role-based access in custom software
Module 8: Requirement 7 – Access Control - Defining need-to-know access principles
- Mapping business roles to system access
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC)
- Creating access request and approval workflows
- Automating user provisioning and deprovisioning
- Enforcing separation of duties
- Reviewing user access quarterly
- Documenting access rights for auditors
- Securing administrative privileges
- Managing just-in-time access
- Handling contractor and vendor access
- Using time-limited access tokens
- Logging privileged account activity
- Integrating with identity providers (IdP)
- Using single sign-on securely
- Defining acceptable use policies
- Enforcing access controls on cloud platforms
- Mapping IAM to PCI scope
- Handling shared accounts with audit trails
- Conducting access certification reviews
Module 9: Requirement 8 – Strong Authentication - Enforcing unique user identification
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Selecting MFA methods (SMS, TOTP, hardware tokens)
- Applying MFA for all non-console access
- Requiring MFA for remote network access
- Securing administrative console access
- Handling emergency break-glass accounts
- Using biometric authentication securely
- Integrating MFA with directory services
- Defining password length and complexity
- Setting password expiration policies
- Preventing password reuse across systems
- Storing passwords using strong hashing
- Securing password recovery mechanisms
- Monitoring for brute force attacks
- Logging failed login attempts
- Locking accounts after excessive attempts
- Notifying users of access changes
- Conducting authentication audits
- Proving MFA coverage to assessors
Module 10: Requirement 9 – Physical Security - Securing data centres and server rooms
- Implementing access logs for physical entry
- Using badge systems with audit trails
- Restricting access to in-scope systems
- Securing POS devices against tampering
- Conducting regular device inspections
- Tracking physical asset inventory
- Documenting hardware disposal procedures
- Using locking mechanisms for workstations
- Securing paper records containing card data
- Handling shred policies for sensitive documents
- Managing visitor access in PCI environments
- Logging all physical access events
- Using surveillance systems effectively
- Integrating physical and logical access
- Securing offsite backup storage
- Handling mobile device security
- Using asset tagging for compliance
- Conducting physical security risk assessments
- Demonstrating physical controls to auditors
Module 11: Requirement 10 – Logging and Monitoring - Implementing automated audit trails
- Logging all access to cardholder data
- Recording system events and configuration changes
- Using standardised time sources (NTP)
- Securing log files against alteration
- Storing logs for at least one year
- Ensuring six months of logs are immediately available
- Using centralised log management (SIEM)
- Configuring real-time alerting for critical events
- Monitoring failed login attempts
- Tracking privileged account activity
- Integrating with security operations centres
- Generating daily log review reports
- Documenting log management procedures
- Validating log integrity through hashing
- Handling log retention in cloud environments
- Using immutable log storage options
- Proving monitoring coverage during audits
- Responding to suspicious log events
- Integrating logs with incident response
Module 12: Requirement 11 – Vulnerability Management - Conducting internal and external vulnerability scans
- Using ASV-certified scanning vendors
- Running scans quarterly and after network changes
- Addressing critical findings within 30 days
- Documenting remediation efforts
- Re-scanning to verify fixes
- Configuring scan coverage across scope
- Handling false positives responsibly
- Integrating scanning with CI/CD
- Using intrusion detection and prevention systems
- Monitoring for unauthorised wireless access
- Detecting rogue devices on the network
- Analysing packet captures for anomalies
- Conducting penetration testing annually
- Engaging qualified penetration testers
- Defining test scope and objectives
- Reviewing and acting on penetration test reports
- Documenting compensating controls
- Proving ongoing vulnerability management
- Aligning testing with business cycles
Module 13: Requirement 12 – Security Policies and Governance - Developing a formal information security policy
- Documenting PCI compliance responsibilities
- Creating a risk assessment process
- Conducting annual risk assessments
- Documenting risk treatment plans
- Establishing a formal incident response plan
- Defining roles for incident handling
- Conducting regular incident response testing
- Creating a disaster recovery plan
- Integrating business continuity planning
- Developing a vendor management policy
- Assessing third-party compliance obligations
- Conducting due diligence on service providers
- Requiring contractual PCI compliance clauses
- Maintaining an up-to-date compliance calendar
- Hosting regular compliance review meetings
- Reporting to executives and boards
- Training employees on security policies
- Documenting annual employee training completion
- Proving policy enforcement during audits
Module 14: Scoping, Segmentation, and SAQ Selection - Identifying all system components in scope
- Creating detailed network diagrams
- Mapping cardholder data flows
- Applying network segmentation effectively
- Using VLANs, firewalls, and ACLs for isolation
- Proving segmentation with testing
- Determining SAQ applicability
- Choosing between SAQ A, B, C, D, etc.
- Understanding point-to-point encryption exemptions
- Handling e-commerce and mail-order/telephone-order
- Delegating responsibility to service providers
- Using Attestation of Compliance from providers
- Validating provider compliance status
- Managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Handling mobile payment applications
- Addressing co-hosted server risks
- Documenting scope justification
- Preparing for scope challenges from auditors
- Updating scope after system changes
- Finalising scope before audit submission
Module 15: Building Your Compliance Framework - Creating a central compliance repository
- Developing a compliance project plan
- Assigning roles and responsibilities
- Setting measurable compliance milestones
- Integrating compliance with operational workflows
- Using version control for documentation
- Establishing a compliance review cycle
- Conducting gap assessments
- Tracking remediation progress
- Documenting compensating controls
- Writing executive summaries for governance
- Aligning compliance with corporate strategy
- Presenting compliance status to leadership
- Developing a culture of security awareness
- Generating compliance reports
- Integrating with enterprise risk management
- Using audit checklists for readiness
- Conducting mock audits
- Scheduling internal reviews quarterly
- Preparing for external assessment
Module 16: Certification, Ongoing Maintenance & Career Advancement - Completing your final compliance project
- Submitting your SAQ or ROC
- Obtaining your Attestation of Compliance
- Submitting evidence to your acquirer
- Handling QSA review comments
- Responding to auditor findings
- Implementing continuous monitoring
- Updating policies annually
- Conducting regular staff training
- Tracking compliance KPIs
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job opportunities
- Adding certified credentials to your LinkedIn profile
- Using your project portfolio in interviews
- Publishing compliance achievements internally
- Advancing from technician to strategic advisor
- Transitioning into CISO, CRO, or GRC roles
- Validating compliance across mergers and acquisitions
- Leading organisational security transformation
- Becoming a trusted internal auditor
- Preparing for the next evolution of PCI standards
- Securing data over open networks
- Implementing strong cryptography protocols
- Disabling legacy encryption (SSL, early TLS)
- Transitioning to TLS 1.2 or higher
- Validating certificate chain integrity
- Managing certificate lifecycles
- Configuring secure ciphers for data in transit
- Protecting wireless networks transmitting card data
- Setting WPA2-Enterprise for wireless access
- Disabling WEP and open access points
- Implementing wireless intrusion detection
- Mapping wireless usage across locations
- Securing mobile payments and POS devices
- Using end-to-end encryption for remote access
- Validating encryption with external scanning
- Testing communication paths for exposure
- Documenting encryption methods used
- Proving encryption to assessors
- Handling secure email for card data
- Integrating encryption with logging
Module 6: Requirement 5 – Malware Protection - Deploying anti-malware software on all systems
- Selecting PCI-compliant endpoint protection
- Configuring real-time scanning schedules
- Updating malware definitions automatically
- Managing exceptions and false positives
- Monitoring for failed updates
- Securing update servers and patch distribution
- Logging malware detection events
- Responding to malware incidents
- Integrating with SIEM and SOC workflows
- Handling POS systems with custom malware risks
- Protecting virtual desktop environments
- Securing third-party systems with access
- Documenting malware policy enforcement
- Validating protection across all in-scope systems
- Using whitelisting in high-risk environments
- Implementing host-based intrusion prevention
- Testing malware response playbooks
- Reporting malware stats to compliance teams
- Preparing evidence for auditors
Module 7: Requirement 6 – Secure Systems and Software Development - Developing secure coding policies
- Implementing secure software development lifecycle
- Conducting code reviews for vulnerabilities
- Integrating automated code scanning
- Handling patch management for in-house apps
- Documenting patch deployment timelines
- Applying critical security patches within one month
- Using vulnerability databases (CVE, NVD)
- Subscribing to vendor security alerts
- Creating a central patch management register
- Testing patches in non-production environments
- Tracking patch status across systems
- Handling unsupported or legacy software
- Managing open-source component risks
- Integrating security into CI/CD pipelines
- Developing custom applications securely
- Using input validation and output encoding
- Securing APIs that handle card data
- Authenticating and logging API access
- Enforcing role-based access in custom software
Module 8: Requirement 7 – Access Control - Defining need-to-know access principles
- Mapping business roles to system access
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC)
- Creating access request and approval workflows
- Automating user provisioning and deprovisioning
- Enforcing separation of duties
- Reviewing user access quarterly
- Documenting access rights for auditors
- Securing administrative privileges
- Managing just-in-time access
- Handling contractor and vendor access
- Using time-limited access tokens
- Logging privileged account activity
- Integrating with identity providers (IdP)
- Using single sign-on securely
- Defining acceptable use policies
- Enforcing access controls on cloud platforms
- Mapping IAM to PCI scope
- Handling shared accounts with audit trails
- Conducting access certification reviews
Module 9: Requirement 8 – Strong Authentication - Enforcing unique user identification
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Selecting MFA methods (SMS, TOTP, hardware tokens)
- Applying MFA for all non-console access
- Requiring MFA for remote network access
- Securing administrative console access
- Handling emergency break-glass accounts
- Using biometric authentication securely
- Integrating MFA with directory services
- Defining password length and complexity
- Setting password expiration policies
- Preventing password reuse across systems
- Storing passwords using strong hashing
- Securing password recovery mechanisms
- Monitoring for brute force attacks
- Logging failed login attempts
- Locking accounts after excessive attempts
- Notifying users of access changes
- Conducting authentication audits
- Proving MFA coverage to assessors
Module 10: Requirement 9 – Physical Security - Securing data centres and server rooms
- Implementing access logs for physical entry
- Using badge systems with audit trails
- Restricting access to in-scope systems
- Securing POS devices against tampering
- Conducting regular device inspections
- Tracking physical asset inventory
- Documenting hardware disposal procedures
- Using locking mechanisms for workstations
- Securing paper records containing card data
- Handling shred policies for sensitive documents
- Managing visitor access in PCI environments
- Logging all physical access events
- Using surveillance systems effectively
- Integrating physical and logical access
- Securing offsite backup storage
- Handling mobile device security
- Using asset tagging for compliance
- Conducting physical security risk assessments
- Demonstrating physical controls to auditors
Module 11: Requirement 10 – Logging and Monitoring - Implementing automated audit trails
- Logging all access to cardholder data
- Recording system events and configuration changes
- Using standardised time sources (NTP)
- Securing log files against alteration
- Storing logs for at least one year
- Ensuring six months of logs are immediately available
- Using centralised log management (SIEM)
- Configuring real-time alerting for critical events
- Monitoring failed login attempts
- Tracking privileged account activity
- Integrating with security operations centres
- Generating daily log review reports
- Documenting log management procedures
- Validating log integrity through hashing
- Handling log retention in cloud environments
- Using immutable log storage options
- Proving monitoring coverage during audits
- Responding to suspicious log events
- Integrating logs with incident response
Module 12: Requirement 11 – Vulnerability Management - Conducting internal and external vulnerability scans
- Using ASV-certified scanning vendors
- Running scans quarterly and after network changes
- Addressing critical findings within 30 days
- Documenting remediation efforts
- Re-scanning to verify fixes
- Configuring scan coverage across scope
- Handling false positives responsibly
- Integrating scanning with CI/CD
- Using intrusion detection and prevention systems
- Monitoring for unauthorised wireless access
- Detecting rogue devices on the network
- Analysing packet captures for anomalies
- Conducting penetration testing annually
- Engaging qualified penetration testers
- Defining test scope and objectives
- Reviewing and acting on penetration test reports
- Documenting compensating controls
- Proving ongoing vulnerability management
- Aligning testing with business cycles
Module 13: Requirement 12 – Security Policies and Governance - Developing a formal information security policy
- Documenting PCI compliance responsibilities
- Creating a risk assessment process
- Conducting annual risk assessments
- Documenting risk treatment plans
- Establishing a formal incident response plan
- Defining roles for incident handling
- Conducting regular incident response testing
- Creating a disaster recovery plan
- Integrating business continuity planning
- Developing a vendor management policy
- Assessing third-party compliance obligations
- Conducting due diligence on service providers
- Requiring contractual PCI compliance clauses
- Maintaining an up-to-date compliance calendar
- Hosting regular compliance review meetings
- Reporting to executives and boards
- Training employees on security policies
- Documenting annual employee training completion
- Proving policy enforcement during audits
Module 14: Scoping, Segmentation, and SAQ Selection - Identifying all system components in scope
- Creating detailed network diagrams
- Mapping cardholder data flows
- Applying network segmentation effectively
- Using VLANs, firewalls, and ACLs for isolation
- Proving segmentation with testing
- Determining SAQ applicability
- Choosing between SAQ A, B, C, D, etc.
- Understanding point-to-point encryption exemptions
- Handling e-commerce and mail-order/telephone-order
- Delegating responsibility to service providers
- Using Attestation of Compliance from providers
- Validating provider compliance status
- Managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Handling mobile payment applications
- Addressing co-hosted server risks
- Documenting scope justification
- Preparing for scope challenges from auditors
- Updating scope after system changes
- Finalising scope before audit submission
Module 15: Building Your Compliance Framework - Creating a central compliance repository
- Developing a compliance project plan
- Assigning roles and responsibilities
- Setting measurable compliance milestones
- Integrating compliance with operational workflows
- Using version control for documentation
- Establishing a compliance review cycle
- Conducting gap assessments
- Tracking remediation progress
- Documenting compensating controls
- Writing executive summaries for governance
- Aligning compliance with corporate strategy
- Presenting compliance status to leadership
- Developing a culture of security awareness
- Generating compliance reports
- Integrating with enterprise risk management
- Using audit checklists for readiness
- Conducting mock audits
- Scheduling internal reviews quarterly
- Preparing for external assessment
Module 16: Certification, Ongoing Maintenance & Career Advancement - Completing your final compliance project
- Submitting your SAQ or ROC
- Obtaining your Attestation of Compliance
- Submitting evidence to your acquirer
- Handling QSA review comments
- Responding to auditor findings
- Implementing continuous monitoring
- Updating policies annually
- Conducting regular staff training
- Tracking compliance KPIs
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job opportunities
- Adding certified credentials to your LinkedIn profile
- Using your project portfolio in interviews
- Publishing compliance achievements internally
- Advancing from technician to strategic advisor
- Transitioning into CISO, CRO, or GRC roles
- Validating compliance across mergers and acquisitions
- Leading organisational security transformation
- Becoming a trusted internal auditor
- Preparing for the next evolution of PCI standards
- Developing secure coding policies
- Implementing secure software development lifecycle
- Conducting code reviews for vulnerabilities
- Integrating automated code scanning
- Handling patch management for in-house apps
- Documenting patch deployment timelines
- Applying critical security patches within one month
- Using vulnerability databases (CVE, NVD)
- Subscribing to vendor security alerts
- Creating a central patch management register
- Testing patches in non-production environments
- Tracking patch status across systems
- Handling unsupported or legacy software
- Managing open-source component risks
- Integrating security into CI/CD pipelines
- Developing custom applications securely
- Using input validation and output encoding
- Securing APIs that handle card data
- Authenticating and logging API access
- Enforcing role-based access in custom software
Module 8: Requirement 7 – Access Control - Defining need-to-know access principles
- Mapping business roles to system access
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC)
- Creating access request and approval workflows
- Automating user provisioning and deprovisioning
- Enforcing separation of duties
- Reviewing user access quarterly
- Documenting access rights for auditors
- Securing administrative privileges
- Managing just-in-time access
- Handling contractor and vendor access
- Using time-limited access tokens
- Logging privileged account activity
- Integrating with identity providers (IdP)
- Using single sign-on securely
- Defining acceptable use policies
- Enforcing access controls on cloud platforms
- Mapping IAM to PCI scope
- Handling shared accounts with audit trails
- Conducting access certification reviews
Module 9: Requirement 8 – Strong Authentication - Enforcing unique user identification
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Selecting MFA methods (SMS, TOTP, hardware tokens)
- Applying MFA for all non-console access
- Requiring MFA for remote network access
- Securing administrative console access
- Handling emergency break-glass accounts
- Using biometric authentication securely
- Integrating MFA with directory services
- Defining password length and complexity
- Setting password expiration policies
- Preventing password reuse across systems
- Storing passwords using strong hashing
- Securing password recovery mechanisms
- Monitoring for brute force attacks
- Logging failed login attempts
- Locking accounts after excessive attempts
- Notifying users of access changes
- Conducting authentication audits
- Proving MFA coverage to assessors
Module 10: Requirement 9 – Physical Security - Securing data centres and server rooms
- Implementing access logs for physical entry
- Using badge systems with audit trails
- Restricting access to in-scope systems
- Securing POS devices against tampering
- Conducting regular device inspections
- Tracking physical asset inventory
- Documenting hardware disposal procedures
- Using locking mechanisms for workstations
- Securing paper records containing card data
- Handling shred policies for sensitive documents
- Managing visitor access in PCI environments
- Logging all physical access events
- Using surveillance systems effectively
- Integrating physical and logical access
- Securing offsite backup storage
- Handling mobile device security
- Using asset tagging for compliance
- Conducting physical security risk assessments
- Demonstrating physical controls to auditors
Module 11: Requirement 10 – Logging and Monitoring - Implementing automated audit trails
- Logging all access to cardholder data
- Recording system events and configuration changes
- Using standardised time sources (NTP)
- Securing log files against alteration
- Storing logs for at least one year
- Ensuring six months of logs are immediately available
- Using centralised log management (SIEM)
- Configuring real-time alerting for critical events
- Monitoring failed login attempts
- Tracking privileged account activity
- Integrating with security operations centres
- Generating daily log review reports
- Documenting log management procedures
- Validating log integrity through hashing
- Handling log retention in cloud environments
- Using immutable log storage options
- Proving monitoring coverage during audits
- Responding to suspicious log events
- Integrating logs with incident response
Module 12: Requirement 11 – Vulnerability Management - Conducting internal and external vulnerability scans
- Using ASV-certified scanning vendors
- Running scans quarterly and after network changes
- Addressing critical findings within 30 days
- Documenting remediation efforts
- Re-scanning to verify fixes
- Configuring scan coverage across scope
- Handling false positives responsibly
- Integrating scanning with CI/CD
- Using intrusion detection and prevention systems
- Monitoring for unauthorised wireless access
- Detecting rogue devices on the network
- Analysing packet captures for anomalies
- Conducting penetration testing annually
- Engaging qualified penetration testers
- Defining test scope and objectives
- Reviewing and acting on penetration test reports
- Documenting compensating controls
- Proving ongoing vulnerability management
- Aligning testing with business cycles
Module 13: Requirement 12 – Security Policies and Governance - Developing a formal information security policy
- Documenting PCI compliance responsibilities
- Creating a risk assessment process
- Conducting annual risk assessments
- Documenting risk treatment plans
- Establishing a formal incident response plan
- Defining roles for incident handling
- Conducting regular incident response testing
- Creating a disaster recovery plan
- Integrating business continuity planning
- Developing a vendor management policy
- Assessing third-party compliance obligations
- Conducting due diligence on service providers
- Requiring contractual PCI compliance clauses
- Maintaining an up-to-date compliance calendar
- Hosting regular compliance review meetings
- Reporting to executives and boards
- Training employees on security policies
- Documenting annual employee training completion
- Proving policy enforcement during audits
Module 14: Scoping, Segmentation, and SAQ Selection - Identifying all system components in scope
- Creating detailed network diagrams
- Mapping cardholder data flows
- Applying network segmentation effectively
- Using VLANs, firewalls, and ACLs for isolation
- Proving segmentation with testing
- Determining SAQ applicability
- Choosing between SAQ A, B, C, D, etc.
- Understanding point-to-point encryption exemptions
- Handling e-commerce and mail-order/telephone-order
- Delegating responsibility to service providers
- Using Attestation of Compliance from providers
- Validating provider compliance status
- Managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Handling mobile payment applications
- Addressing co-hosted server risks
- Documenting scope justification
- Preparing for scope challenges from auditors
- Updating scope after system changes
- Finalising scope before audit submission
Module 15: Building Your Compliance Framework - Creating a central compliance repository
- Developing a compliance project plan
- Assigning roles and responsibilities
- Setting measurable compliance milestones
- Integrating compliance with operational workflows
- Using version control for documentation
- Establishing a compliance review cycle
- Conducting gap assessments
- Tracking remediation progress
- Documenting compensating controls
- Writing executive summaries for governance
- Aligning compliance with corporate strategy
- Presenting compliance status to leadership
- Developing a culture of security awareness
- Generating compliance reports
- Integrating with enterprise risk management
- Using audit checklists for readiness
- Conducting mock audits
- Scheduling internal reviews quarterly
- Preparing for external assessment
Module 16: Certification, Ongoing Maintenance & Career Advancement - Completing your final compliance project
- Submitting your SAQ or ROC
- Obtaining your Attestation of Compliance
- Submitting evidence to your acquirer
- Handling QSA review comments
- Responding to auditor findings
- Implementing continuous monitoring
- Updating policies annually
- Conducting regular staff training
- Tracking compliance KPIs
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job opportunities
- Adding certified credentials to your LinkedIn profile
- Using your project portfolio in interviews
- Publishing compliance achievements internally
- Advancing from technician to strategic advisor
- Transitioning into CISO, CRO, or GRC roles
- Validating compliance across mergers and acquisitions
- Leading organisational security transformation
- Becoming a trusted internal auditor
- Preparing for the next evolution of PCI standards
- Enforcing unique user identification
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Selecting MFA methods (SMS, TOTP, hardware tokens)
- Applying MFA for all non-console access
- Requiring MFA for remote network access
- Securing administrative console access
- Handling emergency break-glass accounts
- Using biometric authentication securely
- Integrating MFA with directory services
- Defining password length and complexity
- Setting password expiration policies
- Preventing password reuse across systems
- Storing passwords using strong hashing
- Securing password recovery mechanisms
- Monitoring for brute force attacks
- Logging failed login attempts
- Locking accounts after excessive attempts
- Notifying users of access changes
- Conducting authentication audits
- Proving MFA coverage to assessors
Module 10: Requirement 9 – Physical Security - Securing data centres and server rooms
- Implementing access logs for physical entry
- Using badge systems with audit trails
- Restricting access to in-scope systems
- Securing POS devices against tampering
- Conducting regular device inspections
- Tracking physical asset inventory
- Documenting hardware disposal procedures
- Using locking mechanisms for workstations
- Securing paper records containing card data
- Handling shred policies for sensitive documents
- Managing visitor access in PCI environments
- Logging all physical access events
- Using surveillance systems effectively
- Integrating physical and logical access
- Securing offsite backup storage
- Handling mobile device security
- Using asset tagging for compliance
- Conducting physical security risk assessments
- Demonstrating physical controls to auditors
Module 11: Requirement 10 – Logging and Monitoring - Implementing automated audit trails
- Logging all access to cardholder data
- Recording system events and configuration changes
- Using standardised time sources (NTP)
- Securing log files against alteration
- Storing logs for at least one year
- Ensuring six months of logs are immediately available
- Using centralised log management (SIEM)
- Configuring real-time alerting for critical events
- Monitoring failed login attempts
- Tracking privileged account activity
- Integrating with security operations centres
- Generating daily log review reports
- Documenting log management procedures
- Validating log integrity through hashing
- Handling log retention in cloud environments
- Using immutable log storage options
- Proving monitoring coverage during audits
- Responding to suspicious log events
- Integrating logs with incident response
Module 12: Requirement 11 – Vulnerability Management - Conducting internal and external vulnerability scans
- Using ASV-certified scanning vendors
- Running scans quarterly and after network changes
- Addressing critical findings within 30 days
- Documenting remediation efforts
- Re-scanning to verify fixes
- Configuring scan coverage across scope
- Handling false positives responsibly
- Integrating scanning with CI/CD
- Using intrusion detection and prevention systems
- Monitoring for unauthorised wireless access
- Detecting rogue devices on the network
- Analysing packet captures for anomalies
- Conducting penetration testing annually
- Engaging qualified penetration testers
- Defining test scope and objectives
- Reviewing and acting on penetration test reports
- Documenting compensating controls
- Proving ongoing vulnerability management
- Aligning testing with business cycles
Module 13: Requirement 12 – Security Policies and Governance - Developing a formal information security policy
- Documenting PCI compliance responsibilities
- Creating a risk assessment process
- Conducting annual risk assessments
- Documenting risk treatment plans
- Establishing a formal incident response plan
- Defining roles for incident handling
- Conducting regular incident response testing
- Creating a disaster recovery plan
- Integrating business continuity planning
- Developing a vendor management policy
- Assessing third-party compliance obligations
- Conducting due diligence on service providers
- Requiring contractual PCI compliance clauses
- Maintaining an up-to-date compliance calendar
- Hosting regular compliance review meetings
- Reporting to executives and boards
- Training employees on security policies
- Documenting annual employee training completion
- Proving policy enforcement during audits
Module 14: Scoping, Segmentation, and SAQ Selection - Identifying all system components in scope
- Creating detailed network diagrams
- Mapping cardholder data flows
- Applying network segmentation effectively
- Using VLANs, firewalls, and ACLs for isolation
- Proving segmentation with testing
- Determining SAQ applicability
- Choosing between SAQ A, B, C, D, etc.
- Understanding point-to-point encryption exemptions
- Handling e-commerce and mail-order/telephone-order
- Delegating responsibility to service providers
- Using Attestation of Compliance from providers
- Validating provider compliance status
- Managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Handling mobile payment applications
- Addressing co-hosted server risks
- Documenting scope justification
- Preparing for scope challenges from auditors
- Updating scope after system changes
- Finalising scope before audit submission
Module 15: Building Your Compliance Framework - Creating a central compliance repository
- Developing a compliance project plan
- Assigning roles and responsibilities
- Setting measurable compliance milestones
- Integrating compliance with operational workflows
- Using version control for documentation
- Establishing a compliance review cycle
- Conducting gap assessments
- Tracking remediation progress
- Documenting compensating controls
- Writing executive summaries for governance
- Aligning compliance with corporate strategy
- Presenting compliance status to leadership
- Developing a culture of security awareness
- Generating compliance reports
- Integrating with enterprise risk management
- Using audit checklists for readiness
- Conducting mock audits
- Scheduling internal reviews quarterly
- Preparing for external assessment
Module 16: Certification, Ongoing Maintenance & Career Advancement - Completing your final compliance project
- Submitting your SAQ or ROC
- Obtaining your Attestation of Compliance
- Submitting evidence to your acquirer
- Handling QSA review comments
- Responding to auditor findings
- Implementing continuous monitoring
- Updating policies annually
- Conducting regular staff training
- Tracking compliance KPIs
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job opportunities
- Adding certified credentials to your LinkedIn profile
- Using your project portfolio in interviews
- Publishing compliance achievements internally
- Advancing from technician to strategic advisor
- Transitioning into CISO, CRO, or GRC roles
- Validating compliance across mergers and acquisitions
- Leading organisational security transformation
- Becoming a trusted internal auditor
- Preparing for the next evolution of PCI standards
- Implementing automated audit trails
- Logging all access to cardholder data
- Recording system events and configuration changes
- Using standardised time sources (NTP)
- Securing log files against alteration
- Storing logs for at least one year
- Ensuring six months of logs are immediately available
- Using centralised log management (SIEM)
- Configuring real-time alerting for critical events
- Monitoring failed login attempts
- Tracking privileged account activity
- Integrating with security operations centres
- Generating daily log review reports
- Documenting log management procedures
- Validating log integrity through hashing
- Handling log retention in cloud environments
- Using immutable log storage options
- Proving monitoring coverage during audits
- Responding to suspicious log events
- Integrating logs with incident response
Module 12: Requirement 11 – Vulnerability Management - Conducting internal and external vulnerability scans
- Using ASV-certified scanning vendors
- Running scans quarterly and after network changes
- Addressing critical findings within 30 days
- Documenting remediation efforts
- Re-scanning to verify fixes
- Configuring scan coverage across scope
- Handling false positives responsibly
- Integrating scanning with CI/CD
- Using intrusion detection and prevention systems
- Monitoring for unauthorised wireless access
- Detecting rogue devices on the network
- Analysing packet captures for anomalies
- Conducting penetration testing annually
- Engaging qualified penetration testers
- Defining test scope and objectives
- Reviewing and acting on penetration test reports
- Documenting compensating controls
- Proving ongoing vulnerability management
- Aligning testing with business cycles
Module 13: Requirement 12 – Security Policies and Governance - Developing a formal information security policy
- Documenting PCI compliance responsibilities
- Creating a risk assessment process
- Conducting annual risk assessments
- Documenting risk treatment plans
- Establishing a formal incident response plan
- Defining roles for incident handling
- Conducting regular incident response testing
- Creating a disaster recovery plan
- Integrating business continuity planning
- Developing a vendor management policy
- Assessing third-party compliance obligations
- Conducting due diligence on service providers
- Requiring contractual PCI compliance clauses
- Maintaining an up-to-date compliance calendar
- Hosting regular compliance review meetings
- Reporting to executives and boards
- Training employees on security policies
- Documenting annual employee training completion
- Proving policy enforcement during audits
Module 14: Scoping, Segmentation, and SAQ Selection - Identifying all system components in scope
- Creating detailed network diagrams
- Mapping cardholder data flows
- Applying network segmentation effectively
- Using VLANs, firewalls, and ACLs for isolation
- Proving segmentation with testing
- Determining SAQ applicability
- Choosing between SAQ A, B, C, D, etc.
- Understanding point-to-point encryption exemptions
- Handling e-commerce and mail-order/telephone-order
- Delegating responsibility to service providers
- Using Attestation of Compliance from providers
- Validating provider compliance status
- Managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Handling mobile payment applications
- Addressing co-hosted server risks
- Documenting scope justification
- Preparing for scope challenges from auditors
- Updating scope after system changes
- Finalising scope before audit submission
Module 15: Building Your Compliance Framework - Creating a central compliance repository
- Developing a compliance project plan
- Assigning roles and responsibilities
- Setting measurable compliance milestones
- Integrating compliance with operational workflows
- Using version control for documentation
- Establishing a compliance review cycle
- Conducting gap assessments
- Tracking remediation progress
- Documenting compensating controls
- Writing executive summaries for governance
- Aligning compliance with corporate strategy
- Presenting compliance status to leadership
- Developing a culture of security awareness
- Generating compliance reports
- Integrating with enterprise risk management
- Using audit checklists for readiness
- Conducting mock audits
- Scheduling internal reviews quarterly
- Preparing for external assessment
Module 16: Certification, Ongoing Maintenance & Career Advancement - Completing your final compliance project
- Submitting your SAQ or ROC
- Obtaining your Attestation of Compliance
- Submitting evidence to your acquirer
- Handling QSA review comments
- Responding to auditor findings
- Implementing continuous monitoring
- Updating policies annually
- Conducting regular staff training
- Tracking compliance KPIs
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job opportunities
- Adding certified credentials to your LinkedIn profile
- Using your project portfolio in interviews
- Publishing compliance achievements internally
- Advancing from technician to strategic advisor
- Transitioning into CISO, CRO, or GRC roles
- Validating compliance across mergers and acquisitions
- Leading organisational security transformation
- Becoming a trusted internal auditor
- Preparing for the next evolution of PCI standards
- Developing a formal information security policy
- Documenting PCI compliance responsibilities
- Creating a risk assessment process
- Conducting annual risk assessments
- Documenting risk treatment plans
- Establishing a formal incident response plan
- Defining roles for incident handling
- Conducting regular incident response testing
- Creating a disaster recovery plan
- Integrating business continuity planning
- Developing a vendor management policy
- Assessing third-party compliance obligations
- Conducting due diligence on service providers
- Requiring contractual PCI compliance clauses
- Maintaining an up-to-date compliance calendar
- Hosting regular compliance review meetings
- Reporting to executives and boards
- Training employees on security policies
- Documenting annual employee training completion
- Proving policy enforcement during audits
Module 14: Scoping, Segmentation, and SAQ Selection - Identifying all system components in scope
- Creating detailed network diagrams
- Mapping cardholder data flows
- Applying network segmentation effectively
- Using VLANs, firewalls, and ACLs for isolation
- Proving segmentation with testing
- Determining SAQ applicability
- Choosing between SAQ A, B, C, D, etc.
- Understanding point-to-point encryption exemptions
- Handling e-commerce and mail-order/telephone-order
- Delegating responsibility to service providers
- Using Attestation of Compliance from providers
- Validating provider compliance status
- Managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Handling mobile payment applications
- Addressing co-hosted server risks
- Documenting scope justification
- Preparing for scope challenges from auditors
- Updating scope after system changes
- Finalising scope before audit submission
Module 15: Building Your Compliance Framework - Creating a central compliance repository
- Developing a compliance project plan
- Assigning roles and responsibilities
- Setting measurable compliance milestones
- Integrating compliance with operational workflows
- Using version control for documentation
- Establishing a compliance review cycle
- Conducting gap assessments
- Tracking remediation progress
- Documenting compensating controls
- Writing executive summaries for governance
- Aligning compliance with corporate strategy
- Presenting compliance status to leadership
- Developing a culture of security awareness
- Generating compliance reports
- Integrating with enterprise risk management
- Using audit checklists for readiness
- Conducting mock audits
- Scheduling internal reviews quarterly
- Preparing for external assessment
Module 16: Certification, Ongoing Maintenance & Career Advancement - Completing your final compliance project
- Submitting your SAQ or ROC
- Obtaining your Attestation of Compliance
- Submitting evidence to your acquirer
- Handling QSA review comments
- Responding to auditor findings
- Implementing continuous monitoring
- Updating policies annually
- Conducting regular staff training
- Tracking compliance KPIs
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job opportunities
- Adding certified credentials to your LinkedIn profile
- Using your project portfolio in interviews
- Publishing compliance achievements internally
- Advancing from technician to strategic advisor
- Transitioning into CISO, CRO, or GRC roles
- Validating compliance across mergers and acquisitions
- Leading organisational security transformation
- Becoming a trusted internal auditor
- Preparing for the next evolution of PCI standards
- Creating a central compliance repository
- Developing a compliance project plan
- Assigning roles and responsibilities
- Setting measurable compliance milestones
- Integrating compliance with operational workflows
- Using version control for documentation
- Establishing a compliance review cycle
- Conducting gap assessments
- Tracking remediation progress
- Documenting compensating controls
- Writing executive summaries for governance
- Aligning compliance with corporate strategy
- Presenting compliance status to leadership
- Developing a culture of security awareness
- Generating compliance reports
- Integrating with enterprise risk management
- Using audit checklists for readiness
- Conducting mock audits
- Scheduling internal reviews quarterly
- Preparing for external assessment