When your organization accepts online payments, protecting payment data is critical. After all, payment card information represents an attractive target for cybercriminals. For this reason, the payment industry enforces strict security requirements for businesses.
Major payment brands like Visa and Mastercard established the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This serves as the international standard for organizations that process, store, or transmit payment card data. Today, companies worldwide apply these guidelines.
These requirements apply to every organization that accepts card payments, ranging from small online stores to large multinational enterprises. Even when you process payments through a third-party payment provider, certain compliance obligations typically still apply.
1. Online Self Assessment Questionaire SAQ
The Self-Assessment Questionnaire is a survey used to demonstrate your compliance with security requirements. Because there are different ways to process payments, several variations of this questionnaire exist.
When you complete the SAQ correctly, you immediately gain clear insight into your responsibilities and key areas of focus.
2. Vulnerability Scans and reports
In addition to the questionnaire, many organizations are required to perform periodic vulnerability scans. These scans check whether websites, systems, and networks contain known security flaws.
Upon completion, the system generates clear reporting that outlines all identified vulnerabilities. This report can then serve as official proof of compliance for banks, payment providers, or auditors.
The purpose of this security standard is to reduce risks associated with payment data. By regularly checking for vulnerabilities and maintaining a documented record of security measures, the risk of data breaches and fraud is reduced.
Trust Guard supports organizations through both stages of the compliance process. Our online SAQ platform allows you to easily complete and manage questionnaires. In addition, Trust Guard runs automated vulnerability scans for you and delivers clear, actionable reports ready for immediate use for compliance purposes.
