Depending on an organization’s size, type, and skill level, it can either manage its compliance internally or outsource it to a third party. For companies with a small PCI footprint (whether due to their small size or ability to reduce their PCI footprint), having an internal PCI compliance manager may be more practical. However, as the organization grows and its PCI program becomes more intricate, it may become too much for one individual to maintain.
Outsourcing your PCI compliance program offers the following advantages:
Expertise of Staff
Sitting across the table from a PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) during a PCI audit tasked with identifying gaps in your company’s PCI program can be an intimidating experience. However, by outsourcing your compliance, you bring that expertise to your side of the table, working in your favor. In many instances, your outsourced provider will be a QSA themselves and can help guide you through the intricacies of compliance and audits.
Efficient PCI Team Scaling
The workload of an internal PCI team is not consistent throughout the year; it fluctuates. The annual assessment typically marks the busiest period, while the rest of the year involves managing business-as-usual PCI requirements at a slower pace. Outsourcing your compliance allows your team to scale up during audit season and scale down as demand decreases. This approach can save time and money compared to staffing a team exclusively for the busy season year-round.
Leveraging Industry Insights
Having a QSA on your side provides valuable experience and lessons learned from auditing over 50 companies in similar positions. Gain access to the best recommendations for addressing your most complex compliance questions. These insights not only save time and money but also empower you to make more informed decisions on effective compliance implementations.
If you have any questions about outsourcing your PCI Compliance Management, please don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with one of our QSAs.