Standard Compliance

PCI DSS Compliance

Overview
Methodology
Requirement
Our Approach
Clients
FAQs

Overview : PCI DSS Compliance

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of standards to ensure cardholder data security. It was founded in 2004, with the mission of enhancing the mindful processing of sensitive authentication data (SAD) within the cardholder data environment (CDE). The PCI DSS compliance requirements encompass all the organizations which store, process or transmit their customer’s sensitive data. However, some organizations which aren’t exclusively storing, processing or transmitting cardholder data might have to be PCI DSS compliant, depending on how they interact with the parties who exclusively do otherwise.

If an organization stores either of the data, they have to be PCI compliant.

Clients

Requirement For PCI DSS Compliance

1. Install and Maintain Network Security Controls.

2. Apply Secure Configurations to All System Components

3. Protect Stored Account Data.

4. Protect Cardholder Data with Strong Cryptography During Transmission Over Open, Public Networks.

5. Protect All Systems and Networks from Malicious Software.

6. Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.

7. Restrict Access to System Components and Cardholder Data by Business Need to Know.

8. Identify Users and Authenticate Access to System Components.

9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data.

10.Log and Monitor All Access to System Components and Cardholder Data.

11.Test Security of Systems and Networks Regularly.

12.Support Information Security with Organizational Policies and Programs.

Our Approach

Risk Assessment

During this phase, Kratikal will ensure that all processes involving card numbers are covered during the gap and scope assessment. We will carry out the following tasks:
1. Identify processes that access/store/process cardholder information (beginning with the 16-digit PAN).
2. Schedule meetings with concerned process owners.
3. Obtain policies and procedures in the organization and verify compliance with all 12 PCI DSS requirements.
4. Begin discussions with the IT department to understand the network and application architecture.
5. Conduct process audits to ensure the adequacy of IT and security processes.
6. Prepare and present the gap report to the stakeholders.
7. Prepare a remediation road map and prioritize activities based on risk exposure and PCI DSS implementation priority to approach.

Gap Remediation and PCI DSS Compliance

After the Gap Assessment phase is completed, a separate team of technical and process experts will provide remediation support. We will also assist in the development of necessary information and cyber security policies and procedures. We will begin risk assessment activities after basic training. Recommendations on how to close the gaps identified in the previous phase will be documented, and key teams will be assigned responsibility. In this section, two support are involved -
a. PCI Scope reduction / Segmentation Support -
1. Provide recommendations on PCI Scope reduction
2. Scoping Assistance - Assist the team in finalizing the implementation controls for the PCI DSS scope reduction.
b. Non-Technical Implementation Support -
1. Review and develop necessary PCI DSS policy, process and procedures.
2. Conduct policy / process awareness sessions for IT/Security teams and business users who are part of the PCI DSS scope.
3. Provide assistance in building stable and secure processes across customers in PCI DSS compliance.
4. Assist in risk assessment and risk mitigation planning.

PCI Shield Services

During this phase, we assist our customers with the following PCI DSS-related steps:
1. Helping in maintaining PCI DSS Compliance
2. Helping in Maintaining activities like information security policy, procedure reviews.
3. Training and Awareness.

PCI QSA Assessment

A Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) examines the customer's information security controls in detail against each section of the PCI DSS Report on Compliance during an official PCI DSS audit and certification (RoC). The exact details of 'What he did' as part of the audit and 'What he saw' in relation to each clause of the PCI DSS will be included in the RoC. The RoC will be built in accordance with the PCI SSC's RoC reporting instructions. Following the audit, the customer will receive complete audit documentation, including the official RoC.

Why Organizations Need It

Data leaks are a prevalent problem among transaction-based companies. That’s why, the big 5 transactional card-providing companies came together to draft a comprehensive list of requirements and checklist to protect the Cardholder data (Primary Account Number (PAN), Cardholder Name, Expiration Date and Service Code) along with the Sensitive Authentication Data (Full track data (magnetic-stripe data or equivalent on a chip), Card verification code and PINs/PIN blocks) of a customer.

Why Choose Us

Trusted Partner: Ranked among India’s top 10 cybersecurity solution providers.

Client-Centric Approach: Dedicated to adopting best practices tailored to your needs.

Compliance Focused: Holistic solutions designed to maximize PCI DSS compliance success.

Certified Experts: Team of compliance specialists with hands-on experience in SIEM, network monitoring, and DLP tools.

Cross-Industry Experience: Proven track record with organizations across diverse industries.

Global Standards: QSAs and implementers are well-versed in international IT frameworks and regulations.

Kratikal Insights

Small and mid-size
enterprises (SMEs)

Projects Completed

FAQs

What is PCI DSS compliance

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a global framework that protects cardholder data. Any organization that stores, processes, or transmits payment card information must comply with these standards to reduce fraud and data breaches.

Who needs PCI DSS certification?

PCI DSS certification is required for all businesses that handle cardholder data. This includes retailers, e-commerce platforms, banks, payment processors, and service providers that interact with card transactions directly or indirectly.

What are the 12 PCI DSS requirements?

The 12 requirements include installing security controls, protecting stored account data, encrypting transmissions, restricting access, monitoring systems, and maintaining information security policies. Together, they create a secure environment for handling payment card data.

What are the PCI DSS compliance levels?

No, Organizations which qualify and receive PCI DSS training and certification can build their internal team to strengthen their approach to payment data security. An ISA has to coordinate with a QSA for end-to-end compliance. Level 1: Over 6 million transactions, Level 2: 1 million - 6 million transactions,Level 3: 20,000 - 1 million transactions, Level 4: Fewer than 20,000 transactions

How is PCI DSS certification achieved?

PCI DSS compliance process involves risk assessments, gap analysis, policy and control implementation, quarterly scans, remediation, and an official audit by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) who issues the Report on Compliance (RoC).

What are the benefits of PCI DSS compliance?

Compliance helps organizations protect sensitive customer data, prevent breaches, meet regulatory obligations, reduce financial risks, and build trust with customers and payment partners.