ASV PCI DSS Compliance and Certification Explained

ASV PCI DSS certification is a must for any organization handling credit card transactions.

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.

To achieve PCI DSS compliance, organizations must undergo a quarterly vulnerability scan, which assesses their systems for potential security risks.

The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) is the governing body responsible for maintaining and updating the PCI DSS standards.

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ASV PCI DSS is a service that helps organizations comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) by conducting vulnerability scans and reporting on any security weaknesses.

These scans are typically performed quarterly, but can be done more frequently if needed, and are designed to identify potential security vulnerabilities in an organization's systems and networks.

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The ASV PCI DSS service is a requirement for all organizations that process, store, or transmit cardholder data, and is mandated by the major payment card brands.

Organizations that use the ASV PCI DSS service can expect to receive a report detailing any vulnerabilities found during the scan, along with recommendations for remediation.

The report will also include a list of vulnerabilities that were not found, which can help organizations identify areas where they may need to improve their security controls.

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An Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) is a company qualified by the PCI SSC to conduct external vulnerability scanning services in line with PCI DSS Requirement 11.2.2.

To become an ASV, a company must meet the strict standards set by the PCI SSC, including registration, program guide approval, and receiving an attestation of compliance.

Some notable Approved Scanning Vendors include I.S. Partners, LLC and Holm Security. I.S. Partners, LLC has met all the requirements to perform scans and check security procedures, while Holm Security offers PCI DSS scanning following PCI SSC standards.

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ASVs like I.S. Partners, LLC and Holm Security can help organizations meet the six objectives defined by PCI DSS: developing and implementing a clear information security policy, building and maintaining a secure network, running a vulnerability management program, applying solid access control measures, monitoring and testing network security, and protecting cardholder data.

Here are some of the notable Approved Scanning Vendors:

Organizations can entrust their vulnerability scanning processes and card data security to Approved Scanning Vendors like I.S. Partners, LLC and Holm Security, giving them peace of mind that their security procedures are up to date and compliant with PCI DSS standards.

ASV scans are a requirement for PCI DSS compliance, especially for SAQ A merchants who need to have external vulnerability scanning performed by a PCI Council-approved third-party scanning vendor.

The goal of ASV scanning is to identify technical vulnerabilities on various internet-facing endpoints that could lead to a compromise of systems handling payment card transactions.

To ensure compliance, you must scan using an ASV every 90 days (at least) to examine and remedy any vulnerabilities on your e-commerce website.

ASV scanning can no longer be avoided for the SAQ A, even if you use a redirect or an iFrame, as bad actors can exploit unpatched and vulnerable servers to inject malicious code into legitimate payment pages.

You should thoroughly define your scan scope to include all in-scope systems, not just the payment page, and monitor and validate your payment service provider's compliance with PCI to ensure compliance within your validation assessment.

Here are some best practices for ASV scans:

Your organization needs to perform external vulnerability scans at least once every three months to stay PCI compliant. PCI DSS Requirement 11.3.2 mandates this quarterly scanning.

If your organization is undergoing its first PCI DSS assessment, you only need a passing scan from the most recent quarter, along with documented policies for quarterly scanning and evidence that high-risk vulnerabilities were addressed.

The cost of ASV PCI scanning can be a significant factor in your decision-making process. PCI ASV scanning costs can range from under $100 to several thousand dollars per year.

Per-IP pricing is a common model, with costs typically running $100-$200 per IP annually. Unlimited scanning plans are also available, starting around $500-$600 per year for smaller vendors.

For larger security companies, the cost can reach over $2000 annually. This can add up quickly, especially if you have a large number of IPs to scan.

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Achieving PCI compliance certification requires a structured approach. Our experts at Holm Security VMP have developed a method that ensures a hassle-free experience.

The first step is to scope for a focused PCI vulnerability scanning. This involves identifying the specific systems and networks that need to be scanned to ensure compliance.

We also emphasize the importance of strict adherence to the PCI DSS requirements and ASV Program Guide. This ensures that all vulnerabilities are properly identified and remediated.

Here's a breakdown of our structured approach:

As a certified scanning vendor, we're proud to be listed in the official vendor list with our partner Akati. This certification ensures that our platform meets the highest standards for ASV scanning.

Continuous monitoring is a crucial aspect of maintaining PCI compliance, as it ensures that your systems and networks are secure and up-to-date. This involves regularly scanning for vulnerabilities and addressing any issues that are found.

Automated continuous scanning is a key component of this process, allowing you to proactively find and remediate vulnerabilities in your systems. This helps to prevent potential security breaches and maintains the trust and confidence of your customers.

To maintain compliance with PCI DSS requirements, organizations must undergo a PCI external vulnerability scan at least quarterly. This scan is performed by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) and helps to identify and fix security gaps before they put your business at risk.

The primary goal of ASV scanning is to help organizations proactively identify and address security vulnerabilities in their external-facing systems, as part of a broader PCI DSS compliance program aimed at protecting sensitive cardholder data from compromise.

Here are the types of organizations that must undergo quarterly PCI external vulnerability scans:

By performing regular ASV scans and addressing any vulnerabilities that are found, you can maintain consistent compliance with PCI data security standards and ensure the security of your customers' sensitive information.