What is PCI Compliance Attestation [How to Prepare Yourself]

Businesses navigating the world of payment card transactions must undertake an essential journey—one that leads them to a PCI compliance attestation. In the card payment industry, data security and compliance take center stage. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a leading compliance standard that transcends a mere checklist of items and becomes a vital badge of trust for enterprises processing cardholder data. 

Therefore, organizations engaged in credit card transactions, including service providers, merchants, and intermediaries, use PCI-DSS as their security beacon. This framework establishes the baseline security level to create a secure card data environment.

In the current landscape dominated by credit card companies, non-compliance poses more than a challenge—it invites substantial fines and other legal consequences. Therefore, PCI DSS compliance can prove pivotal for organizations that process cardholder information. In this blog, we take you through the significance of a PCI compliance attestation and why your business needs one.

What is PCI compliance attestation?

A PCI AOC or Attestation of Compliance (AoC) is a document produced by the organization that acts as a testimony declaring its compliance with the rules and security best practices set forth by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), thereby safeguarding cardholder data. This process is crucial for businesses that handle credit card transactions as it demonstrates their serious commitment toward payment card data security to customers.

A certified Qualified Security Assessor (QSA), approved by PCI SSC, utilizes Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) and examines the attestation to ensure adherence to established rules. The assessment process results in either an attestation of Compliance (AoC) or a Report on Compliance (RoC), or both. They review the company’s payment processors that safeguard cardholder data and confirm compliance with the necessary standards under PCI DSS.

Also, to see where you are in terms of getting PCI DSS complaint, first check your eligibility. Download the questionnaire below:

Who needs PCI compliance attestation?

Every organization handling cardholder data or accepting card payments must undergo PCI attestation of compliance or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This attestation of compliance document is a credibility factor that ensures compliance, mitigates violations, and safeguards customer data. 

For instance, Wawa recently agreed to pay an $8 million settlement to end the December 2019 data breach investigation that compromised roughly 34 million payment cards across all Wawa stores. This demonstrates the importance of PCI DSS compliance, which means it is not an optional measure but a stringent requirement.

PCI Compliance Levels

Evaluating an organization’s level of compliance with PCI standards is crucial to understanding attestation requirements. While there are four PCI compliance levels, an Attestation of Compliance (AOC) is mandatory. The necessity for a Report on Compliance (RoC) depends on transaction volume and PCI level. Generally, the more debit and credit card transactions, the more rigorous the assessment conducted by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).

How to prepare for PCI DSS Attestation of Compliance 

Preparing for your PCI attestation of compliance involves strategic planning and efficient resource utilization. Follow these ten steps below before your assessment to ensure a smoother journey.

 1. Understand the PCI DSS requirements

For any company planning to become PCI compliant, it is essential to understand the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements. Every company that must comply with PCI DSS must fulfill twelve general requirements. This will provide the blueprint for what it means to secure cardholder data and achieve compliance.

2. Determine scope

The next step is defining the scope of your cardholder data environment. Understanding the scope of your cardholder data environment is critical for mastering risk management. Here, the assets, processes, systems, and people involved in the processing and transmitting of cardholder data must be mapped out so they can be brought into the scope. 

3. Determine the PCI compliance level

To understand the PCI DSS compliance requirements better, you first need to analyze the level at which your business falls. Determine your compliance level and acknowledge the stringency of requirements. On-site audits may confront Level 1 and Level 2 merchants, whereas Attestation of Compliance (AoC) and Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) are necessary for Level 3 and Level 4.

4. Conduct a risk assessment:

After figuring out what falls under the scope, it’s time for a deep dive into risk assessment. Start by conducting a detailed risk analysis of your card data environment. Identify assets, threats, and vulnerabilities, and prioritize reducing risks. The latest PCI DSS update highlights the importance of risk management, making it a key area of focus for PCI DSS compliance.

5. Establish policy and documentation

Organizations should have an internal infosec policy that covers employees, the leadership team, and vendors, if any. After the risk assessment, utilize the insights to document robust policies and procedures. Thorough documentation is the backbone of any security program and a significant part of PCI DSS requirements.

6. Identify and remediate compliance gaps

Allocate funds and resources to address potential security compliance gaps. Consult a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to review policies and identify additional compliance gaps. Regular vulnerability scans, quarterly external scans, and annual penetration testing are vital steps to ensure compliance.

7. Internal PCI DSS audit

Conduct an effective internal PCI DSS audit to assess adherence to PCI DSS rules. Engage internal experts or third-party auditors to review security measures. Address and rectify any identified issues promptly.

8. Complete the PCI DSS assessment

A thorough PCI DSS risk assessment should be performed annually as per the PCI guidelines. Furnish honest details in the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), verified by the QSA firm in person or virtually. For Level 1 and 2 merchants, a thorough in-person assessment is conducted. Based on the results, an AoC and RoC are issued.

9. Establish maintenance procedures and continuous monitoring

After addressing risks and remediating gaps, shift to a “maintenance mode” by conducting periodic internal audits, holding regular committee meetings, and performing periodic risk assessments. Implement continuous monitoring and regular testing of security controls, including vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and monitoring for unauthorized access.

10. Regularly update and adapt

Stay proactive by performing periodic internal audits, conducting regular committee meetings, and updating procedures, policies, and security controls as necessary. This ensures an appropriate response to an ever-changing threat landscape and eases the burden of annual assessments.

11. Educate and train employees

Prioritize the human aspect of payment car