A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering PCI DSS for Serial Founders in High-Volume Transaction Environments
Build defensible compliance architecture that scales with your next venture
$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.
Who this is for
Serial founder in a transaction-intensive service business who needs to justify compliance architecture to partners, acquirers, or internal stakeholders
Who this is not for
Startups in pre-revenue phase, consultants selling compliance as a service, or organizations using off-the-shelf PCI compliance tools without customization
What you walk away with
- Walk through the full PCI DSS control set with real-world implementation examples
- Reference documented trade-offs made in comparable founder-led operations
- Articulate rationale for control exceptions using framework-aligned reasoning
- Present compliance decisions with confidence during due diligence or partnership talks
- Adapt PCI DSS principles to new ventures without starting from scratch
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. PCI DSS Overview and Founder Context
Introduces the 12 requirements of PCI DSS with emphasis on real-world applicability for founder-led businesses. Covers common misconceptions and strategic advantages of early adoption.
12 chapters in this module
- Scope of PCI DSS for service providers
- Cardholder data flow mapping basics
- Founder-led compliance vs enterprise model
- Common myths about cost and complexity
- Regulatory intent behind requirement 1
- Firewall configuration examples
- Documentation expectations
- Outsourcing and shared responsibility
- Physical security for small sites
- Policy templates for Level 4 merchants
- Annual validation timelines
- Self-assessment questionnaire types
Module 2. Secure Network Configuration
Covers firewall and router configuration specific to towing and field service operations with distributed endpoints. Uses actual network diagrams from similar businesses.
12 chapters in this module
- Network segmentation strategies
- Default password changes
- Router ACL best practices
- Remote access controls
- Wireless network isolation
- Point-to-point encryption setup
- Vendor network access
- Firewall rule documentation
- Change management for rules
- Logging and monitoring
- Network diagram templates
- Third-party review checklist
Module 3. Cardholder Data Protection
Focuses on identifying and securing card data in call centers, mobile apps, and back-office systems. Includes data retention policies and encryption standards.
12 chapters in this module
- Data flow discovery techniques
- Tokenization use cases
- End-to-end encryption options
- Database encryption methods
- Avoiding data storage in emails
- Voice recording redaction
- Mobile device data handling
- Field technician workflows
- Receipt handling policies
- Data lifecycle management
- Encryption key rotation
- Audit trail requirements
Module 4. Vulnerability Management
Covers patching cycles, anti-virus deployment, and scanning protocols tailored to small IT teams managing mixed environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Monthly scanning schedules
- Internal vs external scans
- ASV provider selection
- Malware protection for endpoints
- Patch management timelines
- Critical system prioritization
- Vulnerability scoring system
- Remediation tracking
- Automated alerting
- Penetration test coordination
- Reporting to leadership
- Vendor vulnerability response
Module 5. Access Control Systems
Designs role-based access for towing dispatch, billing, and management roles. Emphasizes least privilege and audit readiness.
12 chapters in this module
- User access request process
- Role definitions for dispatch
- Billing clerk permissions
- Manager override controls
- Multi-factor authentication
- Physical access to servers
- Time-based access limits
- Access review frequency
- Termination procedures
- Vendor access tracking
- Logging access changes
- Access matrix template
Module 6. Monitoring and Logging
Implements centralized logging and monitoring for distributed operations with limited IT staff. Uses affordable, scalable tools.
12 chapters in this module
- Log retention duration
- Critical system logging
- Log review frequency
- Automated alert rules
- Centralized log storage
- Incident response triggers
- Timestamp synchronization
- Log integrity protection
- Retention policy examples
- Third-party log access
- Audit preparation
- Log sampling methods
Module 7. Policy and Procedure Development
Builds living compliance documents that reflect actual operations, not boilerplate. Includes templates adapted for founder-led scaling.
12 chapters in this module
- Information security policy
- Acceptable use policy
- Incident response plan
- Business continuity planning
- Disaster recovery testing
- Data classification scheme
- Vendor management policy
- Risk assessment process
- Annual review cycle
- Employee training content
- Policy distribution method
- Version control system
Module 8. Training and Awareness
Designs role-specific training for frontline staff handling payments, with real scenarios from towing and roadside assistance.
12 chapters in this module
- Annual training requirement
- Phishing simulation setup
- New hire onboarding
- Dispatcher training topics
- Technician payment handling
- Social engineering risks
- Reporting suspicious activity
- Training documentation
- Quiz design principles
- Refresher frequency
- Manager accountability
- Training audit trail
Module 9. Third-Party Risk Oversight
Manages compliance exposure from vendors handling card data. Includes contract language and monitoring tactics.
12 chapters in this module
- Vendor risk assessment
- Contractual obligations
- Subservice provider tracking
- Annual attestation
- Onsite audit rights
- Insurance requirements
- Data processing agreements
- Vendor termination
- Due diligence checklist
- Ongoing monitoring
- Incident notification terms
- Vendor scorecard
Module 10. Audit Preparation and Response
Prepares for QSA assessments with complete documentation, clear rationale, and confidence under questioning.
12 chapters in this module
- Evidence collection plan
- Interview preparation
- Control testing walkthrough
- Gap remediation
- Compensating controls
- Scope reduction options
- Documentation format
- QSA selection criteria
- Assessment timeline
- Follow-up responses
- Attestation of compliance
- Post-audit review
Module 11. Scaling Compliance Across Ventures
Adapts PCI DSS learnings to new businesses without reinventing compliance. Builds reusable architecture.
12 chapters in this module
- Compliance playbook creation
- Template reuse strategy
- Cross-venture audits
- Centralized policy management
- Shared services model
- Brand-specific adaptations
- M&A integration
- Due diligence readiness
- Investor presentations
- Compliance as competitive advantage
- Lessons from serial founders
- Future-proofing
Module 12. Defensible Design in Practice
Walks through real-world scenarios where design choices were challenged, and how they were defended using evidence and reasoning.
12 chapters in this module
- Scenario: Outsourcing call center
- Scenario: Mobile payment app
- Scenario: Cloud migration
- Scenario: Merging systems
- Scenario: Breach response
- Scenario: Investor due diligence
- Scenario: Regulatory inquiry
- Scenario: Insurance audit
- Scenario: Partner integration
- Scenario: New service line
- Scenario: Geographic expansion
- Scenario: Tech stack change
How this maps to your situation
- High-volume payment processing
- Founder-led compliance design
- Scaling beyond single location
- Due diligence for acquisition or investment
Before vs. after
Before
Compliance decisions questioned without clear rationale or precedent
After
Confident, source-backed explanations for every control choice
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 for completion over 6-8 weeks with real-world application between sections.
If nothing changes
Without a defensible compliance posture, future growth, partnerships, or exits may face avoidable scrutiny or delays.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic PCI DSS overviews, this course uses real founder-led business patterns and includes documented trade-offs, not just checklist compliance.
Frequently asked
Is this course suitable for non-technical founders?
Yes. It focuses on decision rationale and oversight, not technical implementation details.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does this cover Level 1 merchant requirements?
Yes, all PCI DSS levels are addressed, with focus on Level 2-4 appropriate for founder-led firms.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 hours per module, designed for completion over 6-8 weeks with real-world application between sections..
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