Payment Security

PCI DSS Compliance Consulting

PCI DSS · Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

For merchants, payment service providers and SaaS companies that store, process or transmit cardholder data. We define and reduce your cardholder data scope, assess gaps against PCI DSS v4.0.1, guide remediation and prepare you for your Self-Assessment Questionnaire or Qualified Security Assessor audit.

Reviewed by Santhosh K, Principal GRC Advisor, CyberWave GRC · CISA, CISM, CCISO, HITRUST CCSFP, CHQP, ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor

What is PCI DSS?

PCI DSS is a global security standard mandated by major card brands for any organization that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. It defines technical and operational requirements to protect payment card information.

Key Focus Areas

Network segmentation and firewall management

Cardholder data protection and encryption

Vulnerability management and patching

Strong access control and authentication

Network monitoring and logging

Security testing and penetration testing

Information security policy management

Incident response planning

What our engagement includes

Cardholder data flow mapping and scope definition

Scope reduction recommendations such as segmentation

Gap analysis against PCI DSS v4.0.1

Remediation roadmap and policy set

SAQ or Report on Compliance preparation

Coordination with your QSA and scanning vendor

How the engagement works

Scoping & Gap Analysis

We define your cardholder data environment (CDE) and assess current compliance gaps.

Remediation Planning

We develop prioritized remediation plans to address identified gaps efficiently.

Control Implementation

We support the implementation of technical and procedural PCI DSS controls.

SAQ/ROC Preparation

We prepare you for Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) or Report on Compliance (ROC) assessments.

QSA Audit Support

We provide advisory support during Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) audits.

Timeline and cost factors

Typical timeline: 3–9 months depending on compliance level and current security maturity. Cost depends on scope, organization size, number of locations and systems, current maturity and how much hands-on implementation support you need. Any certification, assessment or audit body fees are separate and set by that body.

Questions buyers ask

It depends on your merchant or service provider level, which card brands and acquirers define. Many smaller merchants complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire, while larger ones need a QSA-led Report on Compliance.

Version 4.0 added a customized approach, stronger authentication and many new requirements that became mandatory after March 31, 2025. Version 4.0.1 is a limited revision that clarified wording.

Common methods include network segmentation, tokenization and outsourcing card capture to a validated provider. Less scope means fewer systems to secure and assess.

No. We provide consulting, readiness and remediation support and coordinate with your chosen QSA. Validation is performed by the QSA or by you through an SAQ.

Yes. PCI DSS requires internal and external penetration testing and segmentation testing at defined intervals. We can perform this through our VAPT service.

Audit & Certification Support VAPT SOC 2

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