PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Boston Massachusetts | Policies & Training

Merchants and other businesses in Boston, Massachusetts and surrounding areas seeking to become compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) can contact the PCI compliance experts at Materdei Consulting, LLC. Simply email us today at pci@pcipolicyportal.com and we’ll provide a competitively priced, fixed fee. PCI compliance is a mandate for any business storing, processing, and/or transmitting credit card information, so contact the experts today by simply emailing us at pci@pcipolicyportal.com.

It’s important to note that some of the most time-consuming and demanding tasks for ensuring PCI DSS compliance is documentation – that’s right – policies, procedures, evidence of risk assessments, security awareness training, and more – it’s all about showing proof that numerous security and operational initiatives are in place. It can be a challenge for Boston businesses, but not with the industry leading PCI Policy Packets available for instant download today from pcipolicyportal.com.

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Boston Massachusetts | Policies & Training
Regulatory compliance – particularly that of the PCI DSS standards – can be challenging and tricky, and it’s why Massachusetts merchants and service providers can now turn to the global PCI DSS experts at Materdei Consulting, LLC. Along with offering our industry leading PCI policy packets, we also provide in-depth, high-quality, professional consulting services to Massachusetts businesses looking for PCI expertise. Sure, PCI compliance – any type of regulatory compliance – is tough, expensive, and time-consuming, but talking to the experts today at Materdei Consulting, LLC will help ease the fears by saving you thousands of dollars and countless headaches. Hey, we’ve been working with credit card compliance for years now, and we’re good at what we do, so contact us today at pci@pcipolicyportal.com.

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Boston Massachusetts | Policies & Training
Businesses in Boston, MA looking for the very best source for high-quality PCI policies and procedures, along with professional consulting services for helping ensure rapid PCI DSS compliance need look no further than the Materdei Consulting, LLC. We’ve been at this game since 2009, constantly improving on our already industry leading products and services, so contact us today at pci@pcipolicyportal.com and get compliant quickly and cost-effectively. Nobody really likes regulatory compliance – we get it – so stick with the experts today at Materdei Consulting, LLC.

From small hardware stores to large retail chain grocery stores in Boston – if you’re storing, processing, and/or transmitting credit card information, then becoming compliant with the PCI DSS mandates is a must. Turn to the experts today at Materdei Consulting, LLC by visiting pcipolicyportal.com and downloading our industry leading PCI policies and procedures packets. Hopefully, as a business owner in the Boston area, you’ve taken the time to actually read through the entire Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, noticing the incredible need for comprehensive PCI policies and procedures. That’s right, documentation is one of the most fundamentally important deliverables for ensuring complete compliance with the PCI DSS standards. Visit pcipolicyportal.com today to learn more about the industry leading PCI policies and procedures.

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PCI Information Security Policy Template for Download

Merchants and service providers can now instantly download PCI information security policy templates – and other supporting documents – from the global PCI DSS leaders at pcipolicyportal.com. Since 2009, Materdei Consulting, LLC – the founders of pcipolicyportal.com – have been offering high-quality, easy-to-use and implement PCI information security policy templates for download, so get them today at pcipolicyportal.com.

PCI Information Security Policy Template for Download | Visit pcipolicyportal.com Today
If it’s documentation you need for becoming compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), then you’ve found the right place at pcipolicyportal.com, providers of professionally developed templates that are truly second to none.

The PCI Policy Packets – offered for instant download from Materdei Consulting, LLC – come complete with the following PCI information security policy templates:

  • Hundreds of pages of PCI DSS specific security templates.
  • Security awareness training documentation, along with a comprehensive risk assessment matrix – both of which are strict mandates for PCI DSS compliance.
  • Essential system hardening documents and other helpful checklists.
  • Documentation that’s taken literally hundreds of hours to research and write, resulting in incredibly comprehensive, well-crafted, professionally written material that can be used by any organization all throughout the globe, regardless of industry, size or location.
  • All available for instant download today at pcipolicyportal.com, the trusted leaders for compliance documentation since 2009.

PCI Information Security Policy Template for Download
Merchants and service providers seeking to become PCI DSS compliant will need to develop comprehensive information security policies and procedures – no question about it – so the cost-effective solution is simply to download the documentation today from pcipolicyportal.com. Do you really want to spend dozens of hours authoring PCI information security policy templates – probably not – so the simple and quick solution is downloading the PCI Policy Packets today and getting compliant within days.
Have you noticed that PCI is everywhere in the news today – from high-profile data breaches to the transition of actual credit cards to the “pin and chip”? This is the electronic payments world we all live in, and it requires a healthy dose of regulatory compliance, and that’s putting it lightly. Get compliant quickly and easily with the PCI information security policy templates that are available for immediate download today from pcipolicyportal.com.

PCI Information Security Policy Template for Download
Technology sure is a great asset – computers can do almost anything these days – but the digital world upon us also requires a strong commitment for ensuring the safety and security of the new electronic age. Credit cards have now become the primary payment method for tens of millions of Americans – and others around the globe – so it’s now time to protect those vital assets with security protocols put forth in the PCI DSS framework. Looking to save hundreds of hours on tiring and mundane regulatory compliance policy writing, then head on over to pcipolicyportal.com for the very best PCI information security policy templates found anywhere today. From small merchants to large service organizations, pcipolicyportal.com has the documentation you need for PCI DSS certification. We also offer much more than just PCI information security policy templates – that’s right – we also provide industry leading PCI DSS consulting services for helping merchants and service providers become compliant with the current Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

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PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Houston, Texas | Policies | Training

Houston, Texas businesses needing to become PCI DSS compliant can now contact the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) experts today at pcipolicyportal.com. As leaders in the field of PCI DSS compliance, pcipolicyportal.com has helped untold numbers of businesses all throughout the state of Texas in obtaining PCI DSS certification, and we can help you too! Contact us today at pci@pcipolicyportal.com to learn more.

Two of the biggest challenges facing merchants and service providers in terms of PCI DSS compliance are scoping issues and developing all required documentation as mandated by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). As for scope, it can be incredibly difficult at times in determining the actual boundaries of PCI compliance, and as for policies and procedures, there’s a tremendous amount of documentation that needs to be in place.

Merchants and service providers all throughout the greater Houston, TX area – and everywhere else in the Lone Star State – can now instantly download the industry leading PCI DSS Policy Packets containing the following documentation:

  • Hundreds of pages of easy-to-use and modify PCI DSS policies, procedures, and other supporting forms and checklists.
  • Comprehensive security awareness training program consisting of a PPT presentation, along with a manual also.
  • In-depth PCI DSS specific risk assessment template for assessing security and organizational risks throughout the organization.
  • All material available for instant download today, no delay.

There’s simply no better solution available for becoming compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) than the PCI Policy Packets from Materdei Consulting, LLC, thus visit pcipolicyportal.com to learn more. If it’s about saving thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours with PCI compliance, then it’s all about getting to know us better and the industry leading products and services offered for Houston, TX businesses.

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Houston, Texas | Policies | Training
Materdei Consulting, LLC has been working with Texas merchants and service providers for years now, offering high-quality, professionally developed PCI compliance documentation that’s easy-to-use and implement, is very-cost-effective, and saves thousands of dollars on certification. Whatever one’s business is in Houston, TX, if you store, process, and/or transmit cardholder data information, you’ll need to become PCI DSS compliant, so contact us today at pci@pcipolicyportal.com.

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Houston, Texas | Policies | Training
What’s the biggest difference between us and the “other guys”, it’s our industry leading PCI Policy Packets, available for instant download, and which are ready to help Houston merchants and service providers become PCI compliant. Saving time and money on PCI compliance just became that much easier, thanks to Materdei Consulting, LLC. From expert consulting services to development of all necessary information security policies and procedures – and much more – Materdei Consulting is your “go to” firm for PCI compliance. Visit pcipolicyportal.com today and learn more about our industry leading PCI Policy Packets. Additionally, email us at pci@pcipolicyportal.com and we’ll get right back to you.

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PCI Compliance Security Policy Template Packet for Download

Merchants and service providers can immediately download PCI compliance security policy templates today from pcipolicyportal.com, the unquestioned global leader offering world-class PCI policies, and other supporting documents. Did you know that the most time-consuming and demanding aspect of becoming compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) is developing the enormous amount of documentation needed? That’s right, there’s literally dozens of PCI compliance security policy templates that need to be in place for ensuring certification against the actual standards themselves.

PCI Compliance Security Policy Template Packet for Download
The quick and easy solution for rapid certification is downloading the PCI compliance security policy templates today from pcipolicyportal.com, for which merchants and service providers can choose from a wide variety of PCI Policy Packets. Let’s be honest, nobody likes spending endless hours writing policies and procedures – it’s extremely tiring, mundane, and not much credit is given to those authoring the material. Just download the PCI compliance security policy templates packet today from pcipolicyportal.com, which contains the following high-quality material:

  • Professionally researched and developed content that’s specific to one’s industry.
  • Easy-to-edit Microsoft Word templates that allow rapid and complete customization in just hours.
  • High-quality, comprehensive security awareness training program, consisting of an in-depth training manual, along with an extensive set of PowerPoint slides.
  • Essential risk assessment template for ensuring you undertake a mandated – and best practice – annual risk assessment.
  • All available for instant download today with now delay.

PCI Compliance Security Policy Template Packet for Download
PCI DSS compliance is not going anywhere – that we can all agree on – so turn to the experts at pcipolicyprtal.com for industry leading, high-quality, professionally developed documentation. Did you know that the current PCI DSS framework calls for approximately fifty (50) different PCI policies, procedures – and other supporting material – to be in place for ensuring full compliance? That’s right, so it’s even more of a reason to visit pcipolicyportal.com today and download the very best policies found anywhere on the Internet.

As to the quality and depth of our PCI compliance security policy templates, they’ve been researched and authored by highly experienced compliance personnel and written to map back directly to each of the PCI DSS requirements, 1 – 12. Forget about authoring your own PCI policies and procedures – you’ve got better things to do – just trust the experts today at pcipolicyportal.com. Nobody likes authoring PCI compliance security policy templates – let’s all be honest about that – but it’s got to get done, and the cost-effective and easy solution to implement are the PCI Policy Packets, available for instant download today from pcipolicyportal.com. Merchants and service providers will find everything they need in the award winning PCI Policy Packets, so visit pcipolicyportal.com today to learn more.

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PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Dallas, Texas | Policies | Training

PCI DSS compliance & certification for Dallas, Texas businesses can be an incredibly time-consuming process, one that can cost thousands of dollars and hundreds of operational man-hours – but it doesn’t have to. Reach out to the seasoned experts today at Materdei Consulting, LLC, by visiting pcipolicyportal.com. Since 2009, we’ve been helping merchants and service providers all throughout Texas – and the globe – in becoming PCI DSS compliant and can assist your organization also. Send us an email at pci@pcipolicyportal.com and let us know how we can assist you with PCI compliance.

From essential policy and procedure documentation to in-depth readiness assessments, along with expert strategic consulting, the experts at Materdei Consulting, LLC are ready to assist merchants and service providers in the greater Dallas Fort Worth Metropolex area, so contact us today at 424-274-1952. Two of the most challenging aspects of PCI DSS compliance are (1). Properly assessing scope regarding the cardholder data environment and (2). Developing all mandated PCI policies and procedures – challenges we can help your business overcome.

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Dallas, Texas | Policies | Training
Compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) can be a taxing exercise, but with the proven, trusted experts from Materdei Consulting, LLC at your side every step of the way, compliance just became that much easier. From PCI DSS policies and procedures to expert consulting advice, contact us today at pci@pcipolicyportal.com or call 424-274-1952.
What separates Materdei Consulting, LLC apart from other providers is our world renowned policy packets – documentation that’s truly second to none when it comes to complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. Visit pcipolicyportal.com today to learn more about services offered along with the very best documentation found anywhere today.

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Dallas, Texas | Policies | Training and More!
Just remember that the documentation aspect of PCI compliance – the policies, procedures, and other supporting material – is often the largest and most-time consuming aspect of becoming PCI certified. So instead of trying to develop documents from scratch – which is not recommended – simply download the PCI DSS Policy Packets today and get compliant. Dallas, TX businesses seeking to become PCI certified now have an excellent resource for assisting with PCI compliance every step of the way, and that’s Materdei Consulting, LLC, so visit pcipolicyportal.com to learn more.

The PCI Policy Packets are offered for immediate download and come complete with the following documentation:

  1. Hundreds of pages of PCI specific information security policies, procedures, forms, and so much more.
  2. Essential security awareness training packets and vital risk assessment documentation.
  3. Helpful project management templates and critical provisioning and hardening documents.
  4. Documentation that’s incredibly comprehensive, detailed, professionally written, yet very easy to use and implement.
  5. Available for instant download today from Materdei Consulting, LLC – just visit pcipolicyportal.com to learn more.

PCI compliance is here to stay, so investing in a quality set of documents, such as those from pcipolicyportal.com is a smart move for Dallas, TX merchants and service providers. Email us at pci@pcipolicyportal.com to learn more.

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification NYC Manhattan, Long Island | Policies | Training

PCI DSS compliance & certification for New York City (NYC) Manhattan & Long Island merchants and service providers can be an incredibly time-consuming and expensive proposition, so contact the PCI DSS experts today at Materdei Consulting, LLC at pci@pcipolicyportal.com. Whatever your PCI DSS needs are, from expert consulting services to information security policy and procedure writing, security awareness training – and more – talk to Materdei Consulting, LLC today, as we’ve been assisting merchants and service providers since 2009 with PCI DSS compliance. With the newly released version 3.0/3.1 PCI DSS standards now in place, New York City businesses need to be prepared for the enhanced reporting requirements.

Businesses in the greater New York City area – including Manhattan and Long Island – that store, process, and transmit cardholder data, must become compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). And while PCI compliance is often looked upon through the lens of information security – and rightfully so – don’t forget about the huge need for documentation. Policies, procedures, forms, checklists – and more – they’re all a big part of becoming PCI DSS compliant.

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification NYC Manhattan | Policies | Training
Take some time and read the entire PCI DSS standards and you’ll quickly notice the immediate need for an incredible amount of documentation – policies and procedures and other supporting materials for ensuring compliance is being met. It can be a tall order to accomplish, but with the PCI Policies Packets from pcipolicyportal.com, New York City businesses are just a click away from rapid PCI compliance and certification.

Look, PCI DSS compliance is not going away – that we can all agree on – so don’t you think now’s the time to work with proven experts, an organization that’s cost-effective and has been helping businesses from coast to coast since 2009? If you have a business in the greater New York City metropolitan area and need assistance with PCI DSS compliance – call us!

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification NYC Manhattan | Policies | Training and Much More!
When it comes to saving money, time, and energy regarding the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), look to the proven and trusted experts at pcipolicyportal.com. Merchants and service providers in the greater New York City metropolitan area can become PCI DSS compliant quickly and cost-effectively, so visit pcipolicyportal.com to learn more. Why do so many companies fail miserably when it comes to PCI DSS compliance, because they cannot find a professional services firm capable of helping them charter the rough waters of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) mandates, that’s why! Talk to the experts today at pcipolicyportal.com by emailing us at pci@pcipolicyportal.com.

From PCI policies to professional, high-quality strategy and consulting services, businesses in New York City & Long Island turn to the experts at Materdei Consulting, LLC, so visit pcipolicyportal.com to learn more today!

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Learn How to Become PCI Compliant Now from pcipolicyportal.com

Want to learn how to become PC compliant, then follow our lock-step process for determining the “who, what, when, where, and why” of PCI compliance for your business. PCI compliance can be an incredibly challenging and tiresome process – no question about it – so get the facts today from the company that’s been helping merchants and service providers since 2009 with high-quality documentation for PCI compliance, and that’s pcipolicyportal.com.

Compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) can be achieved when merchants and service providers follow a proven process developed by payments experts.  pcipolicyportal.com, leaders in offering world-class documentation for PCI compliance, offer the following 10 Step PCI Certification Process:

  1. Determine the Appropriate Merchant and Service Provider Level. While the vast majority – probably 98 to 99% of all merchants – can self-asses via the PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ), you’ll still want to check to verify the cutoff based on transaction volume on an annual basis. Service providers may find this a little more challenging as the guidance on transaction volume is somewhat subjective, and of a lower amount, in terms of volume, that is.
  1. Choose the correct Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). This is without question one of the more challenging aspects of compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) – and for good reason – as there are eight (8) different Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ) to choose from. It means you’ll truly need to understand your environment in terms of cardholder data, so begin here: https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/documents/Understanding_SAQs_PCI_DSS_v3.pdf. This is a brief, yet very helpful document authored by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSS), the organizational body responsible for the actual PCI DSS compliance standards.
  1. Download the actual SAQ from pcisecuritystandards.org. Visit pcisecuritystandards.org and download the actual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) for PCI compliance. As the PCI DSS standards have matured over the years, there have been more SAQ’s added, and with PCI DSS version 3.0/3.1, merchants and service providers can now choose – as stated earlier – from eight (8) different SAQs. Just remember to take the time and become educated on which SAQ you’ll want to use.
  1. Review and understand the actual SAQ. The actual Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SQA) put forth by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) are not for the faint of heart, as they can be quite challenging. It’s therefore critical to review AND understand all components of the SAQ, which means putting a team together, if necessary.
  1. Obtain critical PCI policies & supporting documentation. Did you know that the most time-consuming and laborious process of becoming compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) is developing policies and procedures? That’s right, comprehensive documentation is needed for PCI DSS compliance, so start by downloading the industry leading Policy Packet & Toolkits today from pcipolicyportal.com. Authoring policies is an incredibly mundane and time-consuming process, and it’s why businesses all throughout the globe turn to the PCI DSS experts at pcipolicyportal.com and the industry leading PCI Policies Packets.  From the Self-Assessment Questionnaires to Level 1 onsite reporting, PCI documentation is essential.

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  1. Become compliant. It’s time to put into action the policies, procedures, and other initiatives, so roll up those sleeves and get busy. This means it’s time for a true philosophical about-face gut check with all your employees, and that’s because PCI compliance requires a shift in cultural ideology. It’s not something you can pick up once in a while and put down, rather, it requires a true commitment from everyone in the organization for helping ensure the safety and security of cardholder data.
  1. Conduct vulnerability scan and penetration testing, if necessary. From a technical perspective, vulnerability scanning and penetration testing is absolutely critical, which means you’ll need to determine the correct range of IPs, both internally and externally, and asses the type of penetration test to be conducted, if applicable.  While some organizations may very well be exempt from scanning and pen testing, most merchants and service providers will have to undertake such initiatives.
  1. Complete the Attestation of Compliance (AoC). Once you’ve actually undertaken the heavy lifting of PCI DSS compliance – such as putting in place all mandated policies, procedures, .and processes – then it’s time to actually complete the official PCI DSS Attestation of Compliance (AoC).  This is a relatively straightforward process that requires merchants and service providers to complete a short form attesting to PCI DSS compliance.
  1. Continue to strive for compliance. PCI compliance is an annual commitment, so getting through the first year is great, but it’s a task that needs to be tacked each and every year. A good school of thought is not to start and stop PCI compliance – rather – build it into the culture of your organization for helping ensure the safety and security of critical cardholder data at all times.
  1. Practice what you preach for PCI. You’ve worked long and hard to put in place all mandated PCI DSS policies and procedures – great – but don’t forget to practice what you preach and really strive for the ideological culture change. PCI compliance is difficult at times – that we all know – so get serious about ensuring the safety and security of cardholder data by working hard every day at meeting and/or exceeding the PCI DSS mandates.

It’s a proven 10 step process that works quite well, especially for any organization new to the world of PCI DSS compliance. It’s not an overnight process, but you’ll get there, and annual re-certification becomes that much easier.  We’re often asked. “what’s the single biggest obstacle to becoming compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS)” – and it is policies and procedures – no question about it.  Documentation is key for an efficient and comprehensive certification process, so download the Global PIC DSS Policies Packets today from pcipolicyportal.com and get compliant now.

To broaden the perspective on PCI DSS compliance even more, just remember the three (3) P’s – policies, procedures, and processes.  Policies simply state the organization’s stance and various initiatives. Procedures and processes then actually state the actions to undertake for such policies – hence the profound importance of documentation for PCI compliance.

Download the very best PCI policies and procedures today and learn more about how to become PC compliant by visiting pcipolicyportal.com.

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PCI Compliance Password Requirements | Best Practices to Know

PCI compliance password requirements as mandated by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) are clearly stated within Requirement 8 of Version 3.0 of the PCI DSS standards. Specifically, the PCI compliance password requirements are the following:

  • Require a minimum length of at least seven characters.
  • Contain both numeric and alphabetic characters.
  • Users to change passwords at least every 90 days.
  • Password parameters are set to require that new passwords cannot be the same as the four previously used passwords.
  • First-time passwords for new users, and reset passwords for existing users, are set to a unique value for each user and changed after first use
  • User accounts are temporarily locked-out after not more than six invalid access attempts.
  • Once a user account is locked out, it remains locked for a minimum of 30 minutes or until a system administrator resets the account.
  • System/session idle time out features have been set to 15 minutes or less.
  • Passwords are protected with strong cryptography during transmission and storage.

The PCI compliance password requirements are relatively straightforward, and can be easily set within any of today’s directory services, such as Active Directory.  For other systems that do not utilize a directory service for authentication, it’s imperative that passwords are established with the above baseline parameters for helping ensure the safety of the cardholder data environment.

One of the biggest mandates facing organizations regarding PCI DSS compliance is documentation – that’s right – you need policies and procedures for helping ensure rapid and swift compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).  The solutions is to download the professionally developed PCI Policy Packets today from pcipolicyportal.com.

Download PCI Policies and Procedures Today from pcipolicyportal.com

PCI DSS compliance can be an incredibly challenging, tiresome, and time-consuming process, and a large part of this is due to the need for comprehensive information security and operational policies and procedures needing to be developed. Since 2009, we’ve been leading the industry in offering the very best documentation found anywhere, so visit pcipolicyportal.com to learn more today.

To learn more about PCI compliance passwords and how the global experts at pcipolicyportal.com can help your business, download our industry leading PCI DSS Policies Packets today.  From agriculture to information technology, whatever the industry is, pcipolicyportal.com has you covered with the best documentation found anywhere today.

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PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Los Angeles | Southern California

PCI DSS compliance & certification for Los Angeles and greater Southern California businesses can be incredibly challenging and time-consuming – all the more reason for calling the experts at Materdei Consulting, LLC.  As the founders of pcipolicyportal.com – the Internet’s premier website for PCI DSS policies and procedures – Materdei Consulting, LLC has been assisting merchants and service providers all throughout North America with the PCI DSS standards, so contact us today at pci@pcipolicyportal.com or call 424-274-1952.

Nobody likes to digest the compliance mandates of PCI DSS – it’s painful, stressful, challenging, and can be operational taxing at times.  The solution is working with a trusted vendor who knows the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) inside and out, and that’s Materdei Consulting, LLC, so visit pcipolicyportal.com to learn more today. From essential policies and procedures – and other supporting documentation – to expert consulting advices, Materdei Consulting, LLC has been assisting business all throughout the globe – and in Los Angeles and Southern California – since 2009, so call us today.

PCI DSS Compliance & Certification Los Angeles | Southern California | 424-274-1952

Don’t forget that one of the most demanding and time-consuming aspects of becoming compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) is developing much needed information security policies and procedures. From Requirement 1 to Requirement 12, there’s dozens of essential documents required for becoming PCI compliant.  Additionally, both merchants and service organizations also need to put in place comprehensive security awareness training initiatives, while also undertaking an annual risk assessment.  Clearly, one can see that the operational and documentation needs for PCI compliance are just as big – sometimes bigger – than the actual technical needs.

The solution for Los Angeles and greater Southern California businesses looking to become PCI compliant quickly and cost-effectively is to turn to the experts at pcipolicyportal.com for industry leading PCI DSS policies and procedures, along with expert consulting advice.

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Credit Card PCI Compliance Checklist for Merchants and Service Providers

Looking for a credit card PCI compliance checklist for ensuring comprehensive and rapid PCI DSS certification, then take note of the following information, provided by pcipolicyportal.com, the unquestioned global leaders in providing the very best PCI DSS security policies and templates & compliance services:

  1. Determine if you are a merchant or service provider. The very first step in understanding PCI DSS compliance is knowing which “bucket” you fall into – merchant or service provider? It’s a relatively easy answer in that if you’re taking payments directly for goods or services, such as an e-commerce site or traditional store with point-of-sale devices, then you are a merchant. Therefore, any business that is not a merchant automatically falls into the service provider category – it’s that simple. More specifically, the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) defines a merchant as the following: entities “…that accept(s) payment cards bearing the logos of any of the five members of PCI SSC (American Express, Discover, JCB, MasterCard or Visa) as payment for goods and/or services…” Source: https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/documents/PCI_DSS_Glossary_v3.pdf
  1. Determine which of the PCI DSS levels you fall into. Both merchants and service providers have varying levels that ultimately determine what road must be taken for PCI DSS compliance – either an onsite assessment by a Payment Card Industry Qualified Security Assessor (PCI-QSA) or a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), which can be completed internally. The vast majority of merchants and service providers can self-assess, but you’ll need to determine which level you fall under, which ranges from Level 1 to Level 4.  Take a look at the following merchant and service provider levels for gaining a greater understanding of where your business stands in terms of reporting for PCI DSS compliance:

Thus, Level 1 compliance is the most stringent, one that requires an annual onsite assessment, while the higher levels (i.e., 2, 3, and 4) often just require and annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).

  1. Determine which PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) to use. Visit pcisecuritystandards.org to gain a greater understanding of the numerous checklists that are available for self-assessing for both merchants and service providers. This is quite honestly one of the more challenging and frustrating aspects of PCI compliance – why – just look at the number of SAQ’s an uninformed user has to mine through, hopefully picking the right one:
  1. SAQ A
  2. SAQ A-EP
  3. SAQ B
  4. SAQ B-IP
  5. SAQ C
  6. SAQ C-VT
  7. SAQ P2PE-HW
  8. SAQ D

PCI Policies and Procedures

Frustrating, no doubt, and it often requires some lengthy reading for gaining a stronger understanding of which SAQ to choose. Once you’ve gotten over that hurdle, give yourself a congratulations, because it’s no easy task.

  1. Review and Understand the Applicable SAQ. Depending on which SAQ chosen, the rigors of compliance can either be relatively straightforward, such as SAQ A, or incredibly time-consuming and comprehensive, such as SAQ D. It’s important to note that all SAQ mandates have something in common – the need for comprehensive policies and procedures for PCI DSS compliance. If you feel that the SAQ is simply too overwhelming and need assistance, then contact a qualified professional for helping in assessing, understanding – and ultimately completing – the applicable questionnaire.

A good starting point is to talk to a PCI-QSA or even a Payment Card Industry Professional (PCIP), as they have the knowledge needed for assisting organizations. Remember that the SAQ’s that come along with version 3.0 of the PCI DSS standards require much more thought and attention in providing a response than any previous editions. Gone are the simple yes and no answers, effectively replaced by the following: Yes, Yes, with compensating controls, no, NA, and Not Tested. That’s quite a list to choose from, so again, get help if needed.  Word to the wise – try and not use the “Not Tested” box as an answer because that simply implies little to no consideration was put into the actual test. It can create more problems that you may recognize, so strive for at least checking the “NA” box, if possible.

  1. Purchase PCI DSS Policies and other Essential Material. Quick question: Guess what the most time-consuming and laborious process is for PCI DSS compliance? Answer: Developing and implementing all mandated information security and operational policies and procedures. Sure, PCI is technical, but let’s not forget about the massive amount of policy documentation needed for certification for both merchants and service providers. Also, security awareness training and risk assessments are also critical initiatives requiring much more than policy statements, rather, actual procedures that need to be undertaken by both merchants and service providers seeking to become PCI DSS compliant. The Global PCI DSS Policies Packets from pcipolicyportal.com provide all the necessary policies and procedures for PCI compliance, along with security awareness training and risk assessment documentation also.

Regardless of what level and type of PCI compliance is being mandated, from a simple Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) to an actual Level 1 onsite assessment, policies and procedures – and other supporting documentation – are absolutely critical for compliance. Turn to the PCI policy experts today at pcipolicyportal.com and download the very best materials for helping ensure rapid PCI complianc.

  1. Get Compliant. Talk is cheap, especially when it comes to compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, so now’s the time to dig in, develop all mandated documentation, put in place all required procedures, and get compliant! It won’t happen overnight, but you’ll get there – and once you do – annual certification becomes that much easier.  Getting compliant for many businesses means putting in place annual security awareness training for all employees and workforce members, conducting a thorough risk assessment, along with other mandates.  Moreover, once the heavy lifting is done in year one, compliance with the PCI mandates should become much more attainable every year thereafter. Simply stated – talking and strategizing about PCI DSS compliance is one thing – rolling up your sleeves and getting it done is another.
  1. Conduct Scans and Penetration Testing, if needed. Depending on which of the Self-Assessment Questionnaires is chosen, quarterly vulnerability scans – both internal and external – along with an annual penetration test, may be required. While scanning is relatively straightforward – and not too terribly expensive – penetration testing can be complex, time-consuming, and costly. If you’re lucky enough to dodge scanning and/or pen testing – congrats – if not, then dig in and get ready for some time commitments. Remember to ask yourself “where is the cardholder data environment truly residing” because if you are simply a pass-thru to the payment processor/gateway and are not storing cardholder data, penetration testing (if required) can possibly be omitted, provided the processor/gateway has fulfilled this requirement. It’s an option and one to consider, only after a thorough examination.
  1. Complete the actual SAQ Attestation of Compliance (AoC). By this point the hard work has been done and it’s know time dot the i’s and cross the t’s – administratively speaking – by completing the Attestation of Compliance (AoC) form. Keep in mind that many payment processors actually integrate this into their online reporting for PCI DSS compliance, so completing an actual hard copy may not be necessary. Many businesses actually reach out to a payments industry expert for helping with the Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ), which is generally a good idea as a few hours of consulting time can often help clear up any questions or concerns you may have.
  1. Stay compliant. Becoming compliant is a challenge, yet staying compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) can be an incredibly challenging task, but it has to be done, no question about it. It means not stopping and starting compliance once a year – rather – making the PCI DSS standards part of one’s organizational infrastructure.  Build it into your organization’s core culture and it’ll stick like glue, no question about it. Remember also that that the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) themselves change, going from one version to the next every two to three years. This in itself can be incredibly difficult and challenging to keep pace with, so reaching out to an actual PCI DSS expert is a good idea.
  1. Aim for the PCI Moving Target. Life is full of changes – that’s for sure – and compliance with PCI DSS is no different, which means aiming for the ever-moving target. Because systems change and employees come and go, it’s important to look at PCI from a practical perspective, which means doing all you can as a business owner for staying compliant. Just remember that PCI compliance is about policies, procedures, and processes/practices – the big three – continue to strive for putting in place these mandates and you should be fine.  PCI is here to stay – no denying that – so get serious today about becoming compliant by visiting pcipolicyportal.com to learn more.

Since 2009, thousands of merchants and service providers have been downloading the industry leading PCI Policies Packets for helping ensure rapid compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). As the unquestioned global leader in PCI compliance documentation, pcipolicyportal.com offers the best policies, procedures – and more – for ensuring complete compliance from day one with PCI. Learn more today about our industry leading policies, procedures, and other essential services and documentation offered by the PCI DSS experts at pcipolicyportal.com.

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