If your service provider is assisting in processing, transmitting, or storing cardholder data such as PAN numbers, it is important to include specific provisions in the service provider agreement. These provisions should address data security requirements and ensure the protection of sensitive information.
The agreement should outline the service provider's responsibilities and obligations regarding the security of cardholder data. It should specify the measures and controls that the service provider will implement to safeguard the data, including encryption, access controls, and monitoring.
As a business dealing with payment card data, ensuring that your suppliers are PCI compliant is of utmost importance. In this blog post, we will discuss the types of suppliers required to be compliant, how to verify if a service provider is PCI compliant, the advantages of working with compliant providers, and the significance of regular compliance checks.
- Identifying PCI Compliant Suppliers
Suppliers such as payment gateways, web hosting companies, and managed security service providers that store, process, or transmit card data must adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to protect sensitive cardholder data. Ensuring that all such suppliers are PCI compliant is crucial for maintaining a secure payment environment.
- Verifying a Service Provider's PCI Compliance
To verify a service provider's PCI compliance, start by requesting their Attestation of Compliance (AOC). This document, issued by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or an Internal Security Assessor (ISA), validates a service provider's PCI DSS compliance status. Make sure that the AOC is up-to-date and covers the specific services provided by the supplier.
Additionally, assess a service provider's compliance by confirming that they collaborate with assessors qualified by the Payment Card Industry Council. Contracts with service providers should meet the intent of PCI DSS requirement 12.8, which mandates that businesses maintain a list of compliant service providers and monitor their compliance status.
A service provider's compliance status can sometimes be checked on the Visa's Global Registry of Service Providers -Â Visa Global Registry of Service Providers - Search Results
However, not all service providers elect to be registered on this list. Therefore, the best option is to ask the service provider for the Attestation of Compliance.
- Benefits of Working with PCI Compliant Service Providers
Collaborating with a PCI compliant service provider offers several advantages, such as secure payments and reduced risk of data breaches and fraud. Compliance with PCI DSS ensures that your service provider has implemented robust security measures to protect sensitive cardholder data and maintain the trust of your customers.
- The Importance of Regular PCI Compliance Checks
Regularly checking your service provider's PCI compliance is essential. The AOC is valid for 12 months, and PCI DSS requires businesses to review the AOC every year. By consistently monitoring your suppliers' compliance, you can ensure that they continue to meet the PCI DSS requirements and maintain a secure environment for cardholder data.
Making sure that your suppliers are PCI compliant is vital for safeguarding sensitive cardholder data and upholding a secure payment environment. By understanding which suppliers must be compliant, verifying their compliance status, and regularly reviewing their AOC, you can minimize the risk of data breaches and fraud. Collaborating with PCI compliant service providers will not only help you adhere to industry standards but also foster trust among your customers.
