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PCI DSS Assessments

CYBERSECURITY

Protect Customer Payments and Secure Your Business

What is PCI DSS?

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of mandatory security standards for any organization that accepts, processes, stores, or transmits credit card information. Created by major payment card brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.), its goal is to reduce credit card fraud by ensuring that merchants handle sensitive cardholder data in a secure environment.

For any business that takes card payments, compliance is not just a best practice—it’s a requirement. Failure to comply can lead to steep fines, loss of payment processing privileges, and significant reputational damage.

Why PCI DSS Compliance is Crucial for Your Business

Protecting cardholder data is fundamental to maintaining customer trust and financial stability. Achieving PCI DSS compliance provides a strong framework for security.

  • Protect Customer Data: Implement robust controls to prevent data breaches and protect your customers’ sensitive payment information from theft.
  • Avoid Severe Penalties: Non-compliance can result in substantial fines, increased transaction fees, and even the termination of your ability to accept card payments.
  • Build Customer Trust: Show your customers you are serious about security, enhancing your brand’s reputation and encouraging repeat business.
  • Improve Your Security Posture: PCI DSS provides a strong baseline for your overall cybersecurity strategy, helping to protect your business from a wide range of threats.

Contact Us

PCI Process Graphic

OUR PROCESS

Achieving PCI DSS Compliance

PCI DSS compliance efforts follow yearly and quarterly cycles. Each cycle can be divided into a 5-step process as shown in the diagram.

Services Overview

PCI DSS Gap Analysis

Conduct a detailed review of your current environment against the PCI DSS requirements to identify areas of non-compliance and create a clear path forward.

Scope Reduction Consulting

Identify ways to minimize the scope of your Cardholder Data Environment (CDE), which can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of compliance.

Remediation Guidance

Close security gaps efficiently and cost-effectively with actionable, prioritized recommendations.

Compliance Validation (SAQ & ROC)

Assist with the completion of your Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) or, for larger merchants, help you prepare for a formal Report on Compliance (ROC) audit.

The Path to PCI DSS Compliance

Your compliance journey can be simplified with a structured, step-by-step approach tailored to your business needs. After an accurate assessment and scoping of your systems, processes, and people, the next step is a thorough evaluation of your controls against the 12 PCI DSS requirements to pinpoint vulnerabilities and deficiencies. Your PBMares team guides you through the process of implementing necessary controls, updating policies, and fixing security weaknesses. Alongside our Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) credentialed team, you’ll then complete the required validation documents (SAQ or ROC) to formally attest to your compliance status with your acquiring bank.

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Meet the Team

Antonina McAvoy

Antonina McAvoy

CISA, CISM, QSA, PCIP
Partner, Risk Advisory Services
Norfolk