WHAT IS PCI DSS COMPLIANCE

Precise Guidelines and Certification Program for the Payment Card Industry

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) 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.

These guidelines were created by major credit card companies (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB) to protect consumer data from hacking and other data breaches. Payment brands and acquiring banks require organizations that process cardholder data to obtain certification.

I.S. Partners has dedicated PCI Compliance Consulting Services that aim to help businesses comply and get certified. Expert PCI compliance consultants will be working with your business to map the most efficient path to certification.

COMPLIANCE UPDATE

PCI DSS 4.0 – Are You Ready?

The deadline to update security measures and assure compliance with the new version is approaching fast. Start the Transition Today!

Significant discounts are available for current clients.

Consult with our PCI Compliance Experts from I.S. Partners and comply with the newest PCI DSS v4.0 requirements!

SOLUTION

PCI Compliance Service by a Team of PCI Compliance Experts

I.S. Partners is a PCI compliance service provider and third-party auditing company working with a wide range of industries seeking cardholder data protection. Our team of expert consultants can help you familiarize your team with the appropriate standards and PCI requirements as part of the readiness program.

Get expert PCI DSS compliance certification services, including a comprehensive PCI gap assessment and audit program from I.S. Partners. In addition, our team focuses on continuous compliance and include programs to consistently maintain your PCI Certification status.

Achieve PCI DSS compliance without the hassle.

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BENEFITS

We’re Not Just Your PCI Compliance Consultant – We’re Your Partner

As one of the leading groups of Qualified Security Assessors (QSA) certified by the PCI Council, I.S. Partners is dedicated to information security testing focused on our clients’ compliance needs. 


We leverage decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of existing audits to streamline the process and deliver outcomes that support broader corporate security and risk management goals.

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Secure Systems & Application

Establish controls that will protect card processing.

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Transparent Channels

Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.

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Boost Customer Confidence

Build strong connections with customers who trust your security practices.

Contact I.S. Partners today and schedule your PCI compliance audit to get certified.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Become Audit-Ready with Professional PCI Certification Service

I.S. Partner’s PCI Certification Services completely satisfies the 12 key PCI DSS requirements and standards. Our process entails a curated PCI compliance audit and consultation sessions. Our goal is not only to get you certified, but also to train your team achieve continuous compliance.

Our PCI Certification Services includes the following:

Scoping 

Our QSAs will help determine your PCI compliance scope and compliance requirements, including reporting requirements such as a Self-Assessment Questionnaire or a Report on Compliance, and Penetration testing and/or Approved Scanning Vendor or ASV Scans. 

Testing 

Our PCI compliance analysts will conduct interviews, control walkthroughs, and review documentation and control artifacts to assess compliance to PCI DSS requirements. With PCI-compliant penetration testing, they are able to spot vulnerabilities in applications and systems. We also perform internal and external scanning with an ASV scanner in fulfillment of requirement 11. 

Gap Assessment  

Our QSAs will assess your organization’s security measures and identify gaps in compliance with the PCI DSS Requirements and report the gaps to management.  

Remediation Advisory 

Our QSAs will provide guidance on remediating gaps in compliance with the PCI DSS standard and can also provide remediation assistance as desired. 

Compliance Reporting 

Our QSAs will complete the Report on Compliance, the Attestation of Compliance, as required.  We deliver independent validation of PCI DSS compliance and a ROC that can be submitted to an acquirer or one of the card associations (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB). 

PCI Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) 

If only an SAQ is required, we can provide assistance in selecting the appropriate SAQ and advise on completion as needed. 

Get Started With PCI

PRICING

PCI DSS Certification Cost

The cost of PCI DSS certification can vary widely depending on several factors such as the size of the organization, the complexity of the cardholder data environment, the level of PCI compliance required, and the organization’s current security posture.

Below is sample quotation for PCI DSS audit cost.

Estimated PCI DSS Certification Costs

Level 2 to 4 Merchants

  • Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ): $50 – $200
  • Vulnerability scanning: $100 – $200 per IP address
  • Training and policy development: ~$70 per employee
  • Remediation costs: $100 – $10,000+
  • Total estimated annual cost: $300 – $20,000+

Level 1 Merchants

  • Onsite audit by Qualified Security Assessor (QSA): $30,000 – $200,000
  • Vulnerability scans: ~$1,000
  • Penetration testing: ~$15,000
  • Training and policy development: ~$5,000
  • Remediation costs: $10,000 – $500,000+
  • Total estimated annual cost: $70,000 – $500,000+

Other PCI DSS Costs to Consider

  • Noncompliance fees: $10 – $100 per month until issues resolved
  • Data breach fines: $5,000 – $100,000 per month; $50 – $90 per cardholder data record
  • Fraud losses, legal fees, settlements and reputational damage from breaches
  • Ongoing costs of maintaining PCI DSS compliance year-round

TIMEFRAME & FREQUENCY

PCI DSS Certification Timeframe and Frequency

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Timeframe

On average, it takes anywhere from 4 to 8 months to achieve PCI DSS certification for the first time, with 6 months being about average.

  • A small-to-medium-sized business can expect to be audit-ready in an average of 4 months, then through the assessment process in 6 months.
  • More mature organizations will require 8 months to a year, or more.

The pre-audit preparation phase typically takes 3-4 months, whereas the actual assessment process, either a full Report on Compliance (ROC) audit or completing a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), can take an additional 2-3 months.

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Frequency

PCI DSS compliance certification is an annual requirement. Whether a small startup or large global company, if an organization handles cardholder data, they must maintain continuous compliance and get it validated yearly.

WHY CHOOSE US

Your Partner PCI Compliance Consultant for Secure Card Processing

As one of the leading Qualified Security Assessors (QSA) certified by the PCI Security Standards Council, I.S. Partners upholds the highest standards in auditing PCI compliance.

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Full U.S.-based team

Ensures a better understanding of the local business nuances and regulations.

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No Outsourcing

Work with the same dedicated team throughout the entire process.

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One-stop shop

Saves time and effort by offering all requisite services under one roof.

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Nearly 20 years of experience

Gives you access to our deep industry insights and tried-and-tested methods.

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Compatibility with your compliance software

Offers the flexibility to integrate with existing software like Drata, Vanta, or any other.

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Software Included (FREE!)

Benefit from our proprietary software at no additional cost.

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PROCESS

Our Structured Approach to PCI Compliance Certification

Companies love working with I.S. Partners because of our compliance-focused security services. Our team gets to know your organization and its needs in order to make both security efforts and compliance engagements, optimizing your time and investment. 

We tailor our PCI compliance audits with your operations to create an efficient roadmap. I.S. Partners has perfected the process of complying with the 12 main PCI requirements.

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  • Determine your compliance level based on annual credit card transactions:
    • Level 1: Over 6 million transactions
    • Level 2: 1-6 million transactions
    • Level 3: 20,000 to 1 million transactions
    • Level 4: Less than 20,000 transactions

  • Levels 2-4: Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
  • Level 1: Formal audit by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)
  • Complete an Attestation of Compliance (AOC) to certify assessment results.

  • Continuous monitoring and quarterly vulnerability scans by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV).
  • Annual re-validation of compliance per level requirements.

Get a Tailored Process Now

AUTOMATION

Free PCI Audit Software for Our Clients

Fieldguide automated PCI audit software is free to use for all I.S. Partners clients. Start working with us and getting faster, less expensive compliance engagements.

Become PCI DSS Compliant fast!

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WHO NEEDS PCI

Secure Channels for Card Data Processors

The PCI DSS regulatory compliance requirements apply to all system components included in or connected to the cardholder data environment. The cardholder data environment (CDE) is comprised of people, processes, and technologies that store, process, or transmit cardholder data or sensitive authentication data.

I.S. Partners serves companies seeking PCI certification. Some of these companies include the following:

  • Merchants. Any business that accepts credit card payments.
  • Payment Processors. Companies that handle transactions between merchants and banks.
  • Acquiring Banks. Financial institutions that process credit card payments on behalf of merchants.
  • Service Providers. Companies that store, process, or transmit cardholder data on behalf of another entity.
  • SaaS Companies. Those who create applications that store, process, or transmit cardholder data.

PCI DSS compliance is mandatory for any entity involved in payment card processing. Let I.S. Partners’ PCI Compliance Consulting services drive your journey to success today.

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TESTIMONIALS

See why our clients are so loyal.

Through the years, I.S. Partners has continued to help us earn and maintain our compliance positions and we are very grateful for the professional standard that they have guided us to achieve. We value their “trusted advisor” partnership they have created with us and would highly recommend them to anyone pursuing these achievements.

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Tom Russo

President doeLEGAL, LLC

I.S. Partners helped AvMed to effectively and efficiently implement the Model Audit Rule, while also serving as a true business partner in enabling AvMed to understand and where appropriate implement best practices. I would highly recommend IS Partners for anyone looking to engage a firm that brings and delivers a unique and differentiating service experience.

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Randy L. Stuart

Senior Vice President & CFO AvMed

The Audit team provided us a thorough audit guideline prior to the on-site visit. This allowed ePay to successfully prepare for the audit. This onsite visit was conducted in a very timely and professional manner. If your company is looking for outstanding audit and compliance services at a very competitive price, I.S. Partners is a great fit.

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Thomas Simoncic

Chief Operating Officer VRS Vericlaim, a Toplis & Harding Company

I have used I.S. Partners for a variety of services and have always found the product of top quality.

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Mark Monroe

Director Internal Audit DentaQuest

Questions About PCI DSS

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Analysis of your compliance needs
Timeline, cost, and pricing breakdown
A strategy to keep pace with evolving regulations

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Join hundreds of other companies that trust I.S. Partners for their compliance, attestation and security needs.

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