A tailored course, built for your situation
Polished PCI DSS compliance artefacts on first submission
Produce audit-ready, defensible outputs that stand up immediately
$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.
Rework loops on compliance submissions
The situation this course is for
Compliance packages that require multiple revisions erode credibility and consume cycles better spent on strategic work. Even minor inaccuracies trigger follow-ups, delay sign-off, and expose teams to scrutiny.
Who this is for
Senior compliance or security practitioner in infrastructure or operations roles, focused on producing clean, defensible outputs under audit pressure
Who this is not for
Those seeking introductory PCI DSS awareness or general IT security overviews
What you walk away with
- Produce accurate, audit-ready compliance documentation on first submission
- Defend control implementations with source-backed reasoning and clear mappings
- Reduce revision cycles and rework in PCI DSS documentation
- Deliver polished artefacts that reflect technical precision and procedural clarity
- Build a reusable, personal playbook for consistent compliance output
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. PCI DSS scope definition with precision
Define system boundaries accurately to avoid over- or under-scoping. Use network diagrams, data flow maps, and role-specific inclusion rules to lock scope early.
12 chapters in this module
- Mapping cardholder data flows
- Identifying in-scope systems
- Defining network segmentation
- Applying ASV rules to scope
- Documenting scope exclusions
- Validating scope with evidence
- Common scope pitfalls
- Using diagrams to clarify boundaries
- Versioning scope documents
- Aligning scope with Linux environments
- Handling cloud-hosted data
- Scope sign-off checklist
Module 2. Secure configuration for Linux systems
Implement baseline hardening aligned with PCI DSS Requirement 2. Apply secure settings for SSH, user accounts, and kernel parameters directly in production-ready templates.
12 chapters in this module
- Disabling default accounts
- Setting password policies
- Configuring SSH securely
- Removing unnecessary services
- Applying CIS Benchmarks
- Using automated config tools
- Documenting deviations
- Validating settings across hosts
- Versioning config baselines
- Integrating with patch cycles
- Handling legacy dependencies
- Audit-ready configuration logs
Module 3. Access control policies that map to roles
Build role-based access models that satisfy Requirement 7 and scale cleanly. Define least privilege in practice, not just policy.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying privileged roles
- Mapping access to job functions
- Defining separation of duties
- Creating role templates
- Documenting access rationale
- Reviewing access quarterly
- Automating access reviews
- Handling emergency access
- Logging privileged sessions
- Integrating with SSO
- Handling contractor access
- Audit trail completeness
Module 4. Audit logging with completeness and retention
Meet Requirement 10 with logs that capture who, what, when, and where, configured once, trusted always.
12 chapters in this module
- Enabling system logging
- Configuring log rotation
- Securing log storage
- Centralizing logs
- Setting log retention
- Timestamp synchronization
- Log content requirements
- Validating log integrity
- Handling log failures
- Integrating with SIEM
- Testing log recovery
- Documenting logging design
Module 5. Vulnerability scanning on a reliable schedule
Operationalize internal and external scans per Requirement 11.2 without disrupting operations.
12 chapters in this module
- Scheduling monthly scans
- Running internal scans
- Running external scans
- Using approved scanning vendors
- Interpreting scan results
- Validating remediation
- Documenting scan windows
- Handling false positives
- Reporting scan outcomes
- Integrating with change control
- Scanning cloud instances
- Audit evidence packaging
Module 6. Penetration testing with clear scope and follow-up
Execute annual tests per Requirement 11.3 with defined scope, methodology, and remediation tracking.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining test scope
- Choosing internal or external
- Selecting qualified testers
- Reviewing test methodology
- Handling social engineering
- Testing segmentation controls
- Documenting test results
- Tracking remediation
- Validating fixes
- Reporting to management
- Storing test evidence
- Scheduling next cycle
Module 7. Policy documentation that satisfies auditors
Write policies that align with Requirement 12 and stand up under questioning, clear, current, and enforceable.
12 chapters in this module
- Writing scope statements
- Defining roles and responsibilities
- Setting review cycles
- Documenting incident response
- Creating acceptable use policies
- Maintaining policy versions
- Aligning with legal requirements
- Distributing policies
- Obtaining attestations
- Linking to controls
- Handling policy exceptions
- Audit presentation format
Module 8. Change management for secure systems
Implement a lightweight process that satisfies Requirement 6.4 without slowing operations.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining change types
- Creating change forms
- Setting approval levels
- Documenting change rationale
- Testing changes safely
- Backout planning
- Post-change review
- Integrating with ticketing
- Handling emergency changes
- Logging changes
- Auditing change records
- Change freeze periods
Module 9. Encryption of stored cardholder data
Apply strong encryption per Requirement 3 and document key management practices clearly.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying stored data
- Choosing encryption methods
- Managing encryption keys
- Storing keys securely
- Rotating keys regularly
- Documenting key policies
- Handling key backup
- Validating encryption
- Testing decryption
- Auditing key access
- Integrating with HSMs
- Encryption exception process
Module 10. Network segmentation with proof
Demonstrate segmentation effectiveness per Requirement 1.2.1 with real evidence, not just assertions.
12 chapters in this module
- Designing segmented networks
- Using firewalls effectively
- Configuring access rules
- Testing segmentation
- Documenting test results
- Maintaining segmentation
- Handling exceptions
- Validating with scans
- Integrating with cloud
- Mapping to PCI scope
- Audit walkthrough prep
- Segmentation evidence package
Module 11. Vendor management for PCI-relevant services
Assess third parties per Requirement 12.8 with documented due diligence and ongoing monitoring.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying in-scope vendors
- Requiring attestations
- Reviewing AOCs
- Assessing security practices
- Documenting assessments
- Setting monitoring frequency
- Handling cloud providers
- Managing subcontractors
- Updating assessments
- Storing vendor evidence
- Terminating relationships
- Vendor risk escalation
Module 12. Building your PCI DSS implementation playbook
Compile templates, checklists, and evidence workflows into a personal, reusable asset.
12 chapters in this module
- Organizing module outputs
- Creating cover sheets
- Standardizing templates
- Adding annotation
- Versioning playbook
- Storing securely
- Sharing selectively
- Updating after audits
- Training others
- Integrating with tools
- Handing off transitions
- Maintaining long-term
How this maps to your situation
- After a scope review with stakeholders
- When hardening a new Linux server
- Before an internal access review
- During annual penetration testing prep
Before vs. after
Before
Compliance outputs require multiple revisions, last-minute fixes, and reactive clarification under audit pressure.
After
Artefacts are accurate, polished, and defensible on first submission, reducing follow-up and building credibility.
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 3-4 hours per module, designed for just-in-time learning and immediate application.
If nothing changes
Continuing with inconsistent or incomplete compliance documentation increases audit friction, extends cycles, and risks findings that could have been avoided with upfront precision.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic PCI DSS overviews, this course delivers specific, actionable methods for producing clean, audit-ready outputs in real-world Linux environments, exactly the context you work in.
Frequently asked
Is this course focused on PCI DSS?
Yes, every module is grounded in PCI DSS requirements with direct application to system administration and compliance documentation.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does this apply to cloud environments?
Yes, examples include hybrid and cloud-hosted Linux systems, with specific guidance for AWS and Rackspace-type infrastructures.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3-4 hours per module, designed for just-in-time learning and immediate application..
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