As a Level 1 merchant, you are well aware of the stringent compliance requirements imposed by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to safeguard your customers’ payment card information and prevent data breaches, not to mention the upcoming changes in PCI DSS v4.0. However, a common obstacle for Level 1 merchants needs more qualified personnel with sufficient PCI experience on the job market. This can pose significant hazards to your compliance program and security posture as a whole. PCI as a Service offers a solution to bridge this divide and ensure your business’s continued compliance and security.
The job market for qualified PCI experts can be extremely competitive, as there is a limited supply of experienced professionals, and even less with PCI certifications (e.g. QSA, ISA, PCIP). This scarcity can make it difficult for Level 1 merchants to employ and retain qualified personnel with PCI compliance expertise. In addition, training and retaining in-house PCI experts can be costly and time-consuming, especially given the nature of PCI DSS requirements and their constant evolution.
Here enters PCI as a Service into play. By delegating your PCI compliance to a reputable service provider, you can achieve and maintain compliance despite the need for PCI experience on the job market. This is why:
Access to Specialized Expertise:
PCI as a Service providers typically have a team of knowledgeable and seasoned PCI compliance specialists. Their expertise is solely devoted to administering compliance for multiple clients, and they are up-to-date on the most recent PCI DSS requirements and best practices. This ensures that your company will benefit from their specialized knowledge without hiring and training new employees. Moreover, the merchant gets a QSA on their side of the table when their external audit comes around each year, a big advantage at audit time.
Advanced Technology and Tools:
PCI as a Service providers invest in cutting-edge technology and tools to expedite the compliance process and improve security. Specifically, most PCI as a Service providers should bring their own GRC tool with them along with scripts and playbooks to expedite the compliance and security management process. Even without extensive in-house PCI expertise, Level 1 merchants can achieve more efficient and effective compliance management by leveraging these technologies.
Cost-Effective Solution:
Employing and retaining in-house PCI specialists can be costly, including salaries, benefits, training, and continuous professional development. PCI as a Service is an economical alternative because it eliminates the need to hire and train PCI personnel in-house. Instead, Level 1 merchants can leverage the expertise of PCI as a Service providers at a cost structure that is predictable and manageable.
Enhanced Security Measures:
PCI as a Service providers implement comprehensive security measures, such as regular vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection, and security assessments, to safeguard payment card data effectively. This can improve the overall security posture of Level 1 merchants, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring PCI DSS compliance.
Scalability and adaptability:
PCI as a Service providers offer scalable solutions that can accommodate the changing requirements of Level 1 merchants. As your business expands or your compliance requirements change, PCI as a Service can adapt flexibly to meet your needs, providing the necessary support and expertise to maintain compliance.
PCI as a Service can help Level 1 merchants overcome the lack of PCI experience in the job market. By outsourcing compliance to a reputable service provider, businesses can access specialized knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced security measures, all while saving money and ensuring PCI DSS compliance. Level 1 merchants can rest assured that their compliance program is in capable hands by partnering with a dependable PCI as a Service provider, despite the dearth of PCI-experienced professionals in the job market.
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