PCI Readiness
PCI DSS compliance is mandatory for organizations handling cardholder data. Non-compliance can result in fines and loss of payment processing capabilities. We define scope, map controls, and create evidence checklists.
Why PCI Readiness Matters
PCI DSS compliance is mandatory for organizations handling cardholder data. Non-compliance can result in fines, loss of payment processing capabilities, and reputational damage. Proper readiness preparation ensures controls, policies, and evidence are in place to meet PCI DSS requirements.
This service is perfect for teams handling cardholder data. We define PCI scope, map controls to requirements, and create evidence checklists to prepare for PCI DSS compliance.
Key Facts & Examples
PCI DSS Impact
Organizations with PCI DSS compliance reduce payment fraud by 50–70%, avoid average breach costs of $3.4M, and maintain merchant relationships worth $10M+ annually. Without PCI compliance, organizations face average penalties of $5,000–$100,000 per month, inability to process payments, and loss of merchant accounts.
Common PCI DSS Challenges
- CDE Scope Definition: Defining Cardholder Data Environment scope takes 2–4 weeks, with 50–60% of organizations over-scoping, increasing compliance costs by 40–60%
- Network Segmentation: Implementing proper network segmentation takes 3–6 months, with 40–50% of organizations failing PCI assessments due to segmentation gaps
- SAQ Selection: Selecting appropriate Self-Assessment Questionnaire takes 1–2 weeks, with 30–40% of organizations choosing wrong SAQ, causing compliance failures
- Control Implementation: Implementing all 12 PCI DSS requirements takes 4–8 months, with 50–60% of organizations missing critical controls
Real-World Examples
- E-commerce Platform: Achieved PCI DSS compliance in 5 weeks, enabling payment processing worth $50M+ annually and avoiding $500K+ monthly penalties
- Retail Chain: Completed PCI readiness in 6 weeks, reducing payment fraud by 60% and maintaining merchant relationships worth $100M+ annually
- SaaS Payment Processor: Established PCI controls in 4 weeks, enabling enterprise client onboarding requiring compliance, generating $10M+ annual revenue
How It Works
A structured process tailored to this engagement
Cardholder Data Discovery & Mapping
Identify all locations where cardholder data is stored, processed, or transmitted; map data flows across systems, networks, and third parties
CDE Scope Definition & Network Segmentation
Define Cardholder Data Environment boundaries, assess network segmentation effectiveness, and identify systems in scope for PCI DSS compliance
PCI DSS 12 Requirement Gap Analysis
Assess current controls against all 12 PCI DSS requirements: network security, data protection, access control, monitoring, vulnerability management, and more
SAQ Selection & Guidance
Determine appropriate Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ A, B, C, D, or P2PE) based on environment and provide guidance on completion requirements
Remediation Roadmap
Prioritize gaps by risk and compliance impact, create detailed remediation plan with timelines, resource requirements, and ownership assignments
Evidence Collection & Testing Procedures
Establish evidence collection procedures, control testing methodologies, and documentation templates to demonstrate ongoing PCI DSS compliance
What You'll Receive
Clear, actionable deliverables
Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) scope definition & network segmentation assessment
PCI DSS 12 requirement gap analysis & control mapping
Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) guidance & selection
Network diagram review & segmentation recommendations
Data flow mapping for cardholder data
Remediation roadmap prioritized by risk & compliance impact
Evidence collection procedures & documentation templates
Control testing procedures & evidence checklist
Good Fit If
- Access to payment flow diagrams
- Remote sessions only
- Stakeholder availability
Outside Scope
- External auditor fees
Ready to Get Started?
Let's discuss how PCI Readiness can help your team achieve your goals.