PCI DSS certification is essential for businesses that transact with customers’ credit or debit cards. This certification protects customers’ sensitive information and builds a company’s market reputation.
Payment card Analytics in Indonesia, as reported by Global Data.
Growth will continue and reach IDR 1,6660 trillion, US$109 billion, by 2028. Are you prepared to enter the market to be competitive, or are you already in and do not have PCI certification? Avoid making mistakes that can drain your energy and resources in both cases.
Many companies are waking up to the need for a PCI DSS certificate. Unfortunately, some businesses make mistakes that lead to delays, penalties, and failures in the audit process. Read on to determine if your company is making one or more such mistakes.
Taking PCI DSS Certification As A One-Time Task:
A common misconception is that certification is a one-time process, but it is not. PCI DSS compliance requires continual monitoring, updating, and maintenance of security controls. Businesses, under the impression that it is a one-time process, prepare just for audits. They do not embed compliance into their day-to-day operations and cannot maintain their certification.
So, how long is PCI DSS certification valid? It is valid for exactly 12 months or one year from the date it is issued. To remain compliant, you need to renew it annually. The annual assessment is conducted by a QSA (Qualified Security Assessor) through ROC (Report on Compliance) or SAQ (Self Assessment Questionnaire).
Incomplete Scoping of Cardholder Data Environment (CDE)
Another common mistake is failing to locate where exactly the cardholder’s data is stored, transmitted, and processed; parts of the system remain unprotected. This mistake can cost businesses dearly and lead to audit failure. Not only does it lead to non-compliance, but it also makes companies vulnerable. Proper scoping that includes network segmentation is very important for passing the audit checks and getting certified.
Trusting Only The Technology:
While technologies like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems are all critical, acquiring PCI DSS certification requires strong policies, employee training, and procedural controls. Most businesses trust only technological solutions and do not have sufficient access controls. Being PCI DSS compliant means processes, people, and policies working together.
Practicing Incomplete And Improper Documentation:
Clear and complete documentation of the company’s security controls, policies, and procedures is required. Most businesses do not know this. They do not keep accurate records and fail the audit process. Improper documentation leads to delays and questions the credibility of the company.
Do Not Train The Employees:
Many companies do not adequately train their staff on PCI DSS requirements and how to handle payment data safely. According to the PCI DSS standards, acquiring the certification is not possible without proper training and a well-aware staff.
Overlooking The Risks From The Third Parties:
Businesses use unavoidable third-party vendors, such as IT support and cloud services. They assume that these services are PCI DSS compliant. Without proper vendor management, businesses face data breaches and compliance failures. Before availing their services, companies need to ensure they are PCI DSS compliant.
Delay In The Remedial Process:
Gaps identified during the audit process should be checked on time. Delaying remedial processes due to attached costs or operational efficiencies leads to audit failures, data breaches, or penalties.
Owing to Indonesia’s digitally growing nature, having a PCI certificate is essential, whether you are a bank, a financial institution, a fintech company, a retail business, or a service provider dealing with customer card transactions. It is necessary for all companies that store, transmit, and process sensitive customers’ data. Be sure to be compliant with safety and under expert guidance.
PCI DSS certification is a must-have to protect and safeguard customers’ trust. Businesses that overlook the documentation process, staff training, remedial measures, etc., can have repeated audit failures.
Hiring a well-experienced PCI DSS consultant can help avoid costly mistakes that can lead to penalties and delays. It’s better to be safe than sorry later.