How to Simplify PCI Compliance with SAQs

Even before the pandemic forced most of us to shop online, we were already heading in that direction — an easy transition considering that, according to Experian, each U.S. consumer carries an average of four credit cards from which to choose. However, this increase in credit card usage also brings more significant risks associated with collecting customer data. 

Of course, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance framework accounts for that, helping to ensure that organizations that accept credit card payments meet the required levels of security when storing, processing, and transmitting cardholder data. While PCI compliance is not required by law, the risks of potential data infringement come at a great expense, costing your company’s reputation and customers, not to mention hefty fines. 

Unfortunately, maintaining compliance is not simple. Suppose you’re a larger organization with a complex payment processing infrastructure. In that case, you may work with a certified security assessor to perform the necessary assessments and create and submit your compliance report. But for many businesses, taking advantage of Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) to evaluate data security is the best option. 

What is an SAQ for PCI compliance?

A Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), developed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), serves as a structured evaluation tool to aid businesses in assessing their compliance with the PCI DSS. 

This comprehensive questionnaire encompasses a set of meticulously designed questions, enabling organizations to self-assess their adherence to PCI DSS requirements. It’s tailored to specific business operations and methods of handling cardholder data, especially in scenarios such as card-not-present transactions, electronic cardholder data storage, and payment application systems.

These SAQs span a diverse range, from SAQ A-EP designed for businesses outsourcing their payment processing to PCI DSS-compliant third-party service providers to SAQ B-IP focused on e-commerce merchants utilizing standalone payment terminals. They consider various facets, such as the validation of cybersecurity measures, eligibility criteria, and the security of payment transactions. These questionnaires are instrumental in addressing the nuances of different payment channels, whether face-to-face transactions, e-commerce channels, or those relying on Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) solutions.

The SAQs are vital in fulfilling the PCI DSS compliance requirements, ensuring that businesses align with the stringent security standards set by the PCI SSC. They encompass various scenarios, from face-to-face channels using imprint machines to telephone orders and e-commerce merchants processing payments through their payment pages.

What are the different types of SAQs?

Several types of SAQs are tailored to different business environments and practices. Here’s an overview:

• SAQ A: Designed for businesses that fully outsource cardholder data activities to PCI DSS-compliant third-party service providers.
• SAQ B: Geared towards e-commerce businesses processing cardholder data through Point-of-Sale (POS) systems connected to the internet without storing the data.
• SAQ C: Applicable to merchants using payment application systems connected to the internet without electronic cardholder data storage.
• SAQ D: Split into versions for merchants and service providers. It’s the most comprehensive SAQ for organizations extensively handling cardholder data storage, processing, and transmission.

Each SAQ aligns with specific processing environments:

• SAQ A-EP: For e-commerce-only merchants utilizing third-party service providers for card information handling without electronic cardholder data storage, processing, or transmission on their systems.
• SAQ B-IP: Tailored for merchants using standalone, IP-connected payment terminals with no electronic cardholder data storage, but not applicable to e-commerce environments.
• SAQ C-VT: Meant for merchants using a dedicated computer solely for card processing via a virtual terminal, without electronic cardholder data storage, and not for e-commerce.
• SAQ P2PE: Designed for merchants employing approved P2PE devices without electronic card data storage.
• SAQ D: Specifically for merchants not outsourcing credit card processing, potentially storing credit card data electronically.

Each SAQ addresses specific cardholder data functions, catering to different types of businesses and their processing methods, ensuring compliance with PCI DSS standards.

Which SAQ is Right for You?

The suitable SAQ hinges on your specific business operations and how you manage cardholder data. Consider these factors:

• Method of Card Acceptance: Determine whether your transactions occur in-person, online, or both.
• Outsourcing of Payment Activities: Evaluate the degree to which you rely on third-party service providers for processing.
• Data Processing Scope: Assess how extensively your organization handles and manages cardholder data internally.

By evaluating these factors against the outlined criteria in each SAQ, you can pinpoint the most fitting questionnaire for your compliance assessment. This process ensures alignment with PCI DSS standards and addresses your unique card processing methods, whether it involves dial-out terminals, P2PE solutions, or considerations for card-not-present merchants.

The PCI Security Standards Council provides a range of SAQs to accommodate different business models and card processing methods, aiding businesses and service providers in achieving compliance while safeguarding the security of payment transactions and cardholder data.

Preparing for Your SAQ Submission

Regardless of which SAQ you need for your organization’s PCI compliance self-assessment, you’ll still want to complete five key activities in advance to ensure you’re prepared for your SAQ submission.

1. Develop a network diagram.

Ensure you have a complete view of your Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) infrastructure to see where cardholder data is present and how it is protected. If you outsource any part of your payment acceptance activity, you’ll want to work with your vendors to ensure their infrastructure is reflected in your diagram.

2. Build a data flow diagram. 

You must also understand how your cardholder data is processed and flows through your CDE infrastructure. 

3. Identify data access points. 

Knowing which applications or tools can access your CDE, even if they don’t process cardholder data (i.e., internal firewalls, third-party encryption tools, etc.)

4. Conduct internal testing.

Ensure that the necessary controls are in place when you submit your annual SAQ. Using a GRC tool will allow you to easily track your testing, identify issues and solutions for remediation, and provide real-time reporting on status. 

5. Create a hardware and software inventory. 

Document any hardware and software you are utilizing, including version details and any current patches you are running.

Once you’ve identified the appropriate SAQ for your business and completed these five key activities, you’re ready to begin your self-assessment for PCI compliance. 

To learn more about Self-Assessment for PCI, watch our on-demand webinar Self-Assessing for PCI: How to Get the Most Out of Your Program.

Meet Your PCI Compliance Goals with ZenGRC

ZenGRC offers a comprehensive solution to streamline and simplify your PCI compliance journey. 

By leveraging ZenGRC’s capabilities, businesses can navigate the complexities of PCI compliance more efficiently, mitigating risks and ensuring a secure environment for cardholder data. Schedule a demo today!