Due Diligence Advisors - Smarter Merchant Processing

What is PCI Compliance?

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Compliance is mandatory for all businesses that handle credit card data.

The 12 PCI DSS Requirements

Build and Maintain Secure Networks

1. Install and maintain firewall configuration

2. Don't use vendor-supplied defaults for passwords

Protect Cardholder Data

3. Protect stored cardholder data

4. Encrypt transmission of cardholder data

Maintain Vulnerability Management

5. Protect systems against malware

6. Develop and maintain secure systems

Implement Strong Access Controls

7. Restrict access to cardholder data by business need

8. Identify and authenticate access to system components

9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data

Monitor and Test Networks

10. Track and monitor access to network resources

11. Regularly test security systems and processes

Maintain Information Security Policy

12. Maintain a policy that addresses information security

PCI Compliance Levels

Level 1: 6+ Million Transactions Annually

Requires annual on-site security assessment by Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) and quarterly network scans by Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV).

Most stringent requirements and highest penalties for non-compliance

Level 2: 1-6 Million Transactions Annually

Requires annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and quarterly network scans by ASV.

May require on-site assessment at card brand's discretion

Level 3: 20,000-1 Million E-commerce Transactions

Requires annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and quarterly network scans by ASV.

Applies to e-commerce merchants only

Level 4: Under 20,000 E-commerce or 1 Million Other

Requires annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and may require quarterly network scans.

Most small businesses fall into this category

Steps to Achieve PCI Compliance

Assess Your Current Environment

Identify all systems that store, process, or transmit cardholder data

Determine Your SAQ Type

Choose the appropriate Self-Assessment Questionnaire based on your business model

Implement Required Controls

Address any gaps in your security controls to meet PCI requirements

Complete Your SAQ

Fill out the Self-Assessment Questionnaire honestly and completely

Submit Documentation

Provide your completed SAQ and any required scan reports to your processor

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Monthly Fines

$5,000 to $100,000 per month until compliance is achieved

Increased Processing Rates

Higher transaction fees until compliance is restored

Account Termination

Loss of ability to process credit cards

Data Breach Liability

Responsibility for all costs associated with a security breach

Best Practices for Small Businesses

Use a Secure Payment Processor

Choose processors that handle PCI compliance for you

Don't Store Card Data

Avoid storing credit card information whenever possible

Use EMV Terminals

Chip readers provide better security than magnetic stripe

Train Your Staff

Ensure employees understand security procedures

Keep Software Updated

Install security patches and updates promptly

How We Help with PCI Compliance

At Due Diligence Advisors, we understand that PCI compliance can be overwhelming for small business owners. That's why we provide:

Compliant payment processing solutions

Secure, EMV-enabled terminals

Guidance on completing your SAQ

Ongoing support and monitoring

PCI Compliance Guide