Elevate Your Payment Card Security with Our PCI-DSS Consulting Services
At Parnell Consulting, we understand the critical importance of safeguarding your customers’ payment card data. As the payment card industry continues to evolve, so do the threats against your organization. That’s why our expert team is here to help you navigate the complex landscape of PCI-DSS compliance.
As you will be aware, March 2024 brings about the retirement of PCI-DSS 3.2 and ushers in version 4.0.
So what does that mean for your business, and by when must you be compliant? It means businesses must comply with the new version 4.0 from the 1st April 2024. The future date requirements within version 4.0 do not come into force on this date, instead companies have a further 12 months until 1st April 2025 to make those additional adjustment. This is to provide business with enough time to set budgets and implement those longer lead time requirements.
So, if you need PCI DSS advice, a second opinion, or someone to take full control, give us a call for a free consultation.
Stay Ahead of Compliance Requirements
Our team of experienced consultants is well-versed in the most recent compliance standards. We provide you with expert guidance and support to ensure that your organization meets all the latest PCI-DSS requirements.
PCI DSS Objectives
These objectives are split across a set of 12 requirements, each incorporating a range of preventative, detective and directive controls.
Build and Maintain Secure Network
- Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
- Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters
Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
- Use and regularly update anti-virus software or programs
- Develop and maintain secure systems and applications
Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
- Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data
- Regularly test security systems and processes
Protect Cardholder Data
- Protect stored cardholder data
- Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks
Implement Strong Access Control Measures
- Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know
- Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access
- Restrict physical access to cardholder data
Maintain and Information Security Policy
- Maintain a policy that addresses information security for employees and contractors
PCI DSS is a 12-step plan to protect customer data — see them laid out below step-by-step.
Step 1: Establish and Maintain Firewall Security
Ensuring PCI DSS compliance begins with robust firewall security. Firewalls act as the initial defence against potential cyber threats by regulating incoming and outgoing network traffic. To meet this requirement, it is essential to configure your firewall and routers properly, establishing rules that govern permissible traffic and blocking unauthorized access.
Step 2: Eliminate Default Vendor Settings
Never rely on default settings for servers, network devices, or software applications. This requirement emphasizes the need to avoid vendor-supplied defaults, including passwords and security parameters. Regularly update and document configurations to enhance security and align with PCI standards.
Step 3: Protect Stored Cardholder Data
Protecting cardholder data is a paramount PCI DSS requirement. Understanding where this data resides, its storage duration, and implementing encryption using industry-accepted methods are essential. Detect unencrypted primary account numbers (PAN) and ensure compliance in displaying card numbers, concealing all but the first six and last four digits.
Step 4: Encrypt Payment Data Transmission
Similar to data storage, this requirement focuses on securing data transmission. Encrypt data as it moves across various networks to prevent interception. Understand the data flow and implement secure transmission protocols. Be prepared for forthcoming PCI DSS v4.0 guidance on multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Step 5: Regularly Update Antivirus Software
Compliance demands more than just basic antivirus software. Keep your antivirus applications up to date by regularly patching and updating them. This step is crucial to protect against malware and viruses, ensuring the safety of your systems and cardholder data. Monitor antivirus software across your IT ecosystem actively.
Step 6: Deploy Secure Systems and Applications
Conduct a thorough risk assessment before deploying technology, ensuring compliance with PCI standards. Roll out hardware and software after assessing risks, and apply timely patches to maintain security. This includes patching databases, point-of-sale terminals, and operating systems.
Step 7: Restrict Access to Cardholder Data
Manage access to cardholder data based on roles and permissions. PCI DSS requires organizations to grant access to private cardholder data only to individuals who genuinely need it for business purposes. Maintain documented access control policies and procedures, keeping records current.
Step 8: Assign Unique User Access
Each user should have their unique username and password, ensuring individualized access. Never employ shared usernames or passwords, as this step enhances traceability during internal investigations. Strengthen access further with two-factor authentication (2FA).
Step 9: Restrict Physical Access to Data
Physical security is as vital as digital security. Secure physical access to servers, paper files, and workstations that handle cardholder data. Use video cameras and electronic monitoring for entry and exit points, keeping recordings for a minimum of 90 days. Distinguish between employees and visitors and secure portable media containing cardholder data.
Step 10: Track and Monitor Network Access
Protect both physical and wireless networks from potential breaches. Monitor network systems continuously and maintain a history of activity. Use Security Information and Event Monitoring (SIEM) tools to log system activity and detect suspicious behavior. Keep network activity logs synchronized and maintained for at least one year.
Step 11: Continuous Systems and Process Testing
Malicious actors continually search for vulnerabilities. Fulfill this requirement through ongoing system and process testing, including penetration and vulnerability testing. Perform quarterly wireless analyser scans to identify unauthorized access points and use PCI Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs) for external scans. Conduct internal vulnerability scans quarterly and an annual application and network penetration test.
Step 12: Develop and Maintain an Information Security Policy
The final step focuses on company-wide information security. Create, implement, and maintain a comprehensive information security policy that covers employees, management, and third parties. Review it annually, ensure acknowledgment and compliance among all users, and provide user awareness training and background checks to safeguard cardholder data.
Compliance with PCI DSS is an ongoing commitment to data security, and our consultancy services are here to support you every step of the way.
Why Choose Parnell Consulting
At Parnell Consulting, we’re more than just consultants; we’re your trusted partners in securing payment card data. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Expertise: Our consultants are PCI-DSS experts with a deep understanding of the latest compliance requirements and industry best practices.
- Tailored Solutions: We recognize that every organization is unique. We work closely with you to develop a customized compliance strategy that fits your specific needs.
- Efficiency: We streamline the compliance process, helping you save time and resources while ensuring comprehensive security.
- Proven Success: We have a track record of helping businesses across industries achieve and maintain PCI-DSS compliance.
- Peace of Mind: With our services, you can focus on your core business while we handle the intricacies of compliance.
Contact Us Today
Don’t wait until the next compliance deadline to secure your payment card data. Contact Parnell Consulting today for a free consultation. Let us empower your organization to meet the latest PCI-DSS requirements, protect your customers, and boost your reputation for security and trust.