PCI DSS Specialist Program & Projects

Objective

Develop a comprehensive prioritization framework for implementing PCI DSS v4.0.1 requirements, focusing on high-risk areas and new requirements to create an efficient transition plan from v3.2.1 to v4.0.1.

Methodologies

• Gap analysis between PCI DSS v3.2.1 and v4.0.1 requirements
• Risk assessment of new and modified requirements
• Development of prioritization matrix based on risk, implementation complexity, and dependencies
• Creation of phased implementation roadmap with clear milestones
• Stakeholder workshops to validate approach and secure buy-in
• Development of tracking mechanism for implementation progress

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Identified 43 new requirements and 62 modified requirements requiring attention
• Developed comprehensive prioritization framework categorizing requirements into four implementation phases
• Created detailed implementation roadmap spanning 24 months with clear ownership and milestones
• Reduced estimated implementation effort by 30% through strategic sequencing of requirements
• Successfully implemented all high-priority requirements within first 6 months
• Received positive feedback from QSA on prioritization approach
• Framework adopted as organizational standard for all compliance initiatives

Objective

Implement comprehensive compliance program addressing Mastercard Business Risk Assessment and Mitigation (BRAM) and Visa Integrity Risk Program (VIRP) requirements, integrated with existing PCI DSS compliance framework.

Methodologies

• Comprehensive assessment of current merchant onboarding and monitoring processes
• Gap analysis against BRAM and VIRP requirements
• Development of enhanced due diligence procedures for high-risk merchants
• Implementation of transaction monitoring system for detecting suspicious activities
• Creation of merchant risk scoring methodology
• Development of compliance reporting framework for card brand requirements
• Integration with existing PCI DSS compliance program

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Developed comprehensive merchant risk assessment methodology covering 15+ risk factors
• Implemented enhanced due diligence process for high-risk merchants, reducing onboarding of prohibited merchants by 100%
• Deployed transaction monitoring system capable of identifying suspicious patterns with 92% accuracy
• Reduced false positives in transaction monitoring by 65% through refined rule sets
• Created integrated compliance dashboard covering PCI DSS, BRAM, and VIRP requirements
• Successfully passed Mastercard and Visa compliance reviews with zero findings
• Reduced compliance-related chargebacks by 78% within 6 months of implementation

Objective

Design and implement a comprehensive PCI DSS governance framework to establish clear roles, responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms for maintaining ongoing PCI DSS compliance across global operations.

Methodologies

• Assessment of existing governance structures and compliance management processes
• Development of PCI DSS steering committee charter and operating procedures
• Creation of RACI matrix for all PCI DSS requirements
• Implementation of compliance monitoring and reporting mechanisms
• Development of exception management and risk acceptance processes
• Creation of policy management lifecycle for PCI DSS documentation
• Integration with enterprise risk management framework

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Established PCI DSS steering committee with executive sponsorship and clear charter
• Developed comprehensive RACI matrix covering all 12 PCI DSS requirement domains
• Implemented quarterly compliance reporting to executive leadership
• Reduced compliance exceptions by 60% through improved governance and oversight
• Created sustainable process for policy review and updates aligned with PCI DSS changes
• Successfully integrated PCI DSS compliance into enterprise risk management framework
• Improved cross-functional collaboration on compliance initiatives
• Reduced time to address compliance gaps by 45% through clear accountability

Objective

Complete Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ D) for merchant-level validation, including comprehensive control mapping, documentation, and executive review to ensure PCI DSS compliance.

Methodologies

• Detailed scoping exercise to identify all systems in scope for PCI DSS
• Gap analysis against all SAQ D requirements
• Development of remediation plan for identified gaps
• Implementation of required security controls across network, systems, and applications
• Creation of comprehensive documentation package
• Security awareness training for all personnel with access to cardholder data
• Executive review and sign-off process
• Preparation for formal attestation of compliance

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Successfully completed all 329 requirements in SAQ D
• Implemented network segmentation reducing PCI scope by 40%
• Deployed file integrity monitoring across all in-scope systems
• Implemented robust change management process for cardholder data environment
• Developed comprehensive policy and procedure documentation
• Achieved 100% completion rate for security awareness training
• Successfully completed attestation of compliance with zero compensating controls
• Established continuous monitoring program to maintain compliance

Objective

Develop a comprehensive implementation framework for cloud service providers to achieve and maintain PCI DSS compliance, addressing the unique challenges of multi-tenant environments and shared responsibility models.

Methodologies

• Analysis of PCI DSS requirements in context of cloud service provider models
• Development of shared responsibility matrices for different service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Creation of implementation guidance for each PCI DSS requirement
• Development of cloud-specific security architecture patterns
• Creation of documentation templates for evidence collection
• Implementation of continuous monitoring approach for cloud environments
• Development of customer communication templates for compliance responsibilities

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Developed comprehensive implementation framework adopted by 15+ cloud service providers
• Created detailed shared responsibility matrices for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models
• Implemented by member organizations resulting in successful PCI DSS certification
• Reduced implementation time by an average of 40% through standardized approach
• Improved clarity of customer communications regarding compliance responsibilities
• Established consistent approach to evidence collection and documentation
• Framework recognized by PCI SSC and referenced in industry publications
• Created sustainable update process to maintain alignment with PCI DSS changes

Objective

Develop comprehensive, customizable PCI DSS policy and procedure templates aligned with PCI DSS v4.0.1 requirements to help member organizations establish consistent, compliant documentation.

Methodologies

• Analysis of PCI DSS v4.0.1 documentation requirements across all 12 domains
• Benchmarking of industry best practices for policy structure and content
• Development of policy hierarchy and framework
• Creation of core policy templates with customization guidance
• Development of implementation procedures and guidelines
• Creation of documentation gap assessment tool
• Pilot testing with select member organizations

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Developed 35+ policy and procedure templates covering all PCI DSS requirements
• Created comprehensive documentation implementation guide
• Developed customization framework allowing organizations to tailor templates to their environment
• Implemented by 50+ member organizations within first year
• Reduced average documentation development time by 70% for member organizations
• Received positive feedback from QSAs on documentation quality and completeness
• Templates adopted as industry standard within the association
• Created sustainable update process to maintain alignment with PCI DSS changes

Objective

Conduct comprehensive research on emerging vulnerabilities affecting cardholder data environments, develop mitigation strategies, and create educational resources for payment industry stakeholders.

Methodologies

• Systematic review of vulnerability databases for payment-related vulnerabilities
• Analysis of breach reports and attack patterns targeting payment systems
• Laboratory testing of common payment system configurations
• Development of vulnerability classification system specific to payment environments
• Creation of mitigation guidance and best practices
• Collaboration with payment application vendors on security improvements
• Development of educational materials and training modules

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Identified 27 previously undocumented vulnerabilities specific to payment applications
• Developed comprehensive vulnerability database categorized by PCI DSS control domains
• Created detailed mitigation guidance for the top 50 payment system vulnerabilities
• Published quarterly vulnerability trend reports adopted by 200+ organizations
• Developed training program on payment system security implemented by 30+ companies
• Contributed to 5 CVE entries for payment application vulnerabilities
• Established collaborative vulnerability disclosure program with major payment vendors
• Research findings incorporated into PCI SSC information supplements

Objective

Establish comprehensive threat and vulnerability management program aligned with PCI DSS requirements, focusing on continuous vulnerability assessment, threat intelligence, and risk-based remediation.

Methodologies

• Assessment of current vulnerability management capabilities
• Development of vulnerability management policy and procedures
• Implementation of vulnerability scanning infrastructure
• Integration of threat intelligence into vulnerability prioritization
• Development of risk-based remediation approach
• Implementation of patch management process
• Creation of vulnerability metrics and reporting framework

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Implemented comprehensive vulnerability management program aligned with PCI DSS
• Established continuous vulnerability scanning for all in-scope systems
• Integrated threat intelligence into vulnerability prioritization
• Developed risk-based remediation approach reducing critical vulnerabilities by 95%
• Implemented efficient patch management process with 98% compliance rate
• Created vulnerability metrics and reporting framework for executive visibility
• Successfully passed PCI DSS requirement 11 with zero findings
• Reduced average remediation time for critical vulnerabilities from 30 days to 5 days

Objective

Establish a comprehensive security assessment program incorporating Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) scans and penetration testing to meet PCI DSS requirements and proactively identify security vulnerabilities in the cardholder data environment.

Methodologies

• Development of security testing strategy and schedule aligned with PCI DSS requirements
• Selection and implementation of ASV scanning solution
• Establishment of penetration testing methodology covering network, application, and social engineering
• Creation of vulnerability management process for findings remediation
• Implementation of continuous monitoring between formal assessments
• Development of reporting templates and remediation tracking
• Integration with change management to trigger assessments for significant changes

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Implemented quarterly ASV scans with 100% pass rate after initial remediation
• Established comprehensive penetration testing program covering all aspects of PCI DSS requirements
• Reduced critical and high vulnerabilities by 85% within first year
• Decreased average remediation time from 45 days to 12 days
• Developed automated reporting dashboard for real-time vulnerability status
• Successfully passed PCI DSS requirement 11 with zero findings during assessment
• Identified and remediated 3 critical vulnerabilities that bypassed automated scanning
• Program recognized as best practice by QSA and recommended to other clients

Objective

Conduct comprehensive PCI DSS scoping exercise to accurately identify systems in scope for PCI DSS, implement network segmentation, and reduce the compliance footprint while maintaining security.

Methodologies

• Detailed data flow mapping of all cardholder data flows
• Network architecture review and documentation
• System inventory and classification based on PCI DSS scoping guidance
• Network segmentation design and implementation
• Segmentation testing methodology development
• Implementation of network access controls between segments
• Development of scope management procedures

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Reduced PCI DSS scope by 65% through effective network segmentation
• Decreased the number of in-scope systems from 450 to 158
• Implemented clear network segmentation with strict access controls
• Developed comprehensive data flow documentation for all cardholder data
• Created automated segmentation testing process to validate controls
• Reduced annual compliance assessment costs by approximately $175,000
• Decreased remediation effort by focusing security controls on truly in-scope systems
• Established sustainable scope management process integrated with change management

Objective

Develop a comprehensive, repeatable methodology for PCI DSS scoping across diverse business units and payment channels, ensuring consistent identification of in-scope systems and appropriate segmentation controls.

Methodologies

• Analysis of PCI DSS scoping guidance and industry best practices
• Development of data flow mapping methodology
• Creation of system classification framework
• Implementation of network discovery and mapping process
• Development of segmentation control requirements
• Creation of scoping documentation templates
• Implementation of scope validation procedures

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Developed comprehensive scoping methodology adopted across all business units
• Created standardized approach to data flow mapping and documentation
• Implemented consistent system classification framework
• Reduced PCI DSS scope by an average of 45% across business units
• Established clear requirements for network segmentation controls
• Developed detailed documentation templates for scope definition
• Created repeatable process for scope validation and testing
• Methodology recognized as best practice by QSA and recommended to other clients

Objective

Develop and implement a comprehensive Business As Usual (BAU) calendar for PCI DSS compliance activities to ensure ongoing compliance between annual assessments and address the requirements for continuous monitoring and testing.

Methodologies

• Analysis of all PCI DSS requirements with periodic testing or review components
• Development of activity calendar with appropriate frequencies
• Assignment of responsibilities for each activity
• Implementation of tracking and reporting mechanism
• Creation of standardized testing and review procedures
• Integration with existing operational processes
• Development of escalation procedures for identified issues

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Developed comprehensive BAU calendar covering all periodic PCI DSS activities
• Implemented automated notification system for upcoming compliance activities
• Achieved 95% on-time completion rate for all scheduled activities
• Created executive dashboard showing real-time compliance status
• Reduced compliance gaps identified during annual assessment by 80%
• Established clear ownership and accountability for all compliance activities
• Successfully demonstrated continuous compliance during QSA assessment
• Approach recognized as best practice by QSA and recommended to other clients

Objective

Develop a comprehensive pre-engagement assessment framework to evaluate merchant and service provider PCI DSS readiness, identify potential compliance gaps, and create targeted remediation plans before formal assessment.

Methodologies

• Development of pre-assessment questionnaire aligned with PCI DSS requirements
• Creation of evidence collection templates and guidance
• Implementation of scoring methodology to quantify compliance readiness
• Development of risk-based approach to prioritize remediation activities
• Creation of remediation planning templates and guidance
• Implementation of tracking mechanism for remediation progress
• Integration with formal assessment preparation process

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Developed comprehensive pre-assessment framework covering all 12 PCI DSS domains
• Implemented with 50+ merchants and service providers in first year
• Reduced critical findings during formal assessments by 85%
• Decreased average remediation time post-formal assessment from 90 days to 15 days
• Improved first-time pass rate for formal assessments from 35% to 92%
• Created standardized approach for consistent evaluation across all entities
• Framework adopted as organizational standard for all pre-assessment activities
• Received positive feedback from QSAs on assessment preparation quality

Objective

Implement comprehensive controls to address PCI DSS Appendix A requirements for service providers, focusing on enhanced security measures, responsibility documentation, and customer communication.

Methodologies

• Gap analysis against Appendix A requirements
• Development of service provider responsibility documentation
• Implementation of enhanced security controls for critical systems
• Creation of customer communication templates and procedures
• Implementation of quarterly security review process
• Development of documented security policies and procedures specific to service provider requirements
• Implementation of penetration testing methodology for critical systems

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Successfully implemented all Appendix A requirements with zero findings during assessment
• Developed comprehensive service provider responsibility documentation
• Implemented enhanced security controls for critical systems
• Created clear customer communication templates and procedures
• Established quarterly security review process with executive participation
• Developed documented security policies and procedures specific to service provider requirements
• Implemented comprehensive penetration testing methodology for critical systems
• Received positive feedback from QSA on implementation approach

Objective

Design and implement comprehensive network security controls to meet PCI DSS requirements, focusing on network segmentation, firewall configurations, and secure remote access solutions.

Methodologies

• Network architecture review and redesign
• Development of network segmentation strategy
• Implementation of firewall configuration standards
• Deployment of secure remote access solutions
• Implementation of network intrusion detection/prevention systems
• Development of network security testing procedures
• Creation of network security documentation and diagrams

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Implemented comprehensive network segmentation reducing PCI scope by 60%
• Deployed standardized firewall configurations across all network boundaries
• Implemented secure remote access solution with multi-factor authentication
• Developed detailed network security documentation and diagrams
• Established regular network security testing procedures
• Successfully passed PCI DSS requirements 1 and 4 with zero findings
• Reduced network-related security incidents by 85%
• Created sustainable process for ongoing network security management

Objective

Implement comprehensive controls for protecting stored cardholder data, focusing on encryption, key management, and data retention policies to meet PCI DSS requirements while addressing healthcare-specific challenges.

Methodologies

• Cardholder data discovery and mapping exercise
• Implementation of encryption solutions for stored cardholder data
• Development of key management procedures and controls
• Creation of data retention and secure deletion policies
• Implementation of data masking for display and transmission
• Development of procedures for protecting sensitive authentication data
• Integration with healthcare-specific data protection requirements

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Successfully implemented encryption for all stored cardholder data
• Developed comprehensive key management procedures with appropriate segregation of duties
• Implemented data retention policies reducing stored cardholder data by 70%
• Deployed data masking for all user interfaces and reports
• Created integrated approach addressing both PCI DSS and healthcare data protection requirements
• Successfully passed PCI DSS requirement 3 with zero findings
• Reduced risk of data breach through minimized storage of sensitive data
• Established sustainable processes for ongoing data protection management

Objective

Design and implement comprehensive access control measures to meet PCI DSS requirements, focusing on least privilege, role-based access control, and privileged access management.

Methodologies

• Access control needs assessment across all in-scope systems
• Development of role-based access control framework
• Implementation of privileged access management solution
• Creation of access request and approval workflows
• Implementation of multi-factor authentication for all remote access
• Development of access review procedures and schedules
• Creation of access control documentation and policies

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Implemented comprehensive role-based access control framework
• Deployed privileged access management solution for all administrative access
• Established automated access request and approval workflows
• Implemented multi-factor authentication for all remote access
• Developed quarterly access review process with 100% completion rate
• Created detailed access control documentation and policies
• Successfully passed PCI DSS requirements 7 and 8 with zero findings
• Reduced inappropriate access rights by 85% through regular reviews

Objective

Establish foundational PCI DSS compliance program for a growing payment processor, focusing on governance structure, baseline controls, and sustainable compliance processes.

Methodologies

• Comprehensive gap analysis against PCI DSS requirements
• Development of compliance roadmap and implementation plan
• Establishment of PCI DSS governance structure and responsibilities
• Implementation of baseline security controls across all domains
• Creation of documentation framework and templates
• Development of compliance monitoring and reporting processes
• Implementation of security awareness training program

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Established comprehensive PCI DSS compliance program from ground up
• Developed clear governance structure with defined roles and responsibilities
• Implemented baseline security controls across all 12 PCI DSS domains
• Created complete documentation set aligned with PCI DSS requirements
• Established ongoing compliance monitoring and reporting processes
• Implemented security awareness training with 100% completion rate
• Successfully achieved initial PCI DSS certification within 12 months
• Created sustainable foundation for ongoing compliance management

Objective

Design and implement comprehensive cybersecurity architecture for cardholder data environment, ensuring alignment with PCI DSS requirements while incorporating defense-in-depth strategies and emerging security technologies.

Methodologies

• Security architecture assessment and requirements gathering
• Development of target security architecture aligned with PCI DSS
• Implementation of defense-in-depth strategy across network, system, and application layers
• Creation of security architecture documentation and diagrams
• Implementation of security technology stack for comprehensive protection
• Development of security architecture governance process
• Integration with existing enterprise architecture framework

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Developed comprehensive security architecture for cardholder data environment
• Implemented defense-in-depth strategy with multiple security layers
• Created detailed security architecture documentation and diagrams
• Deployed integrated security technology stack for comprehensive protection
• Established security architecture governance process for ongoing management
• Successfully passed PCI DSS assessment with architecture recognized as exemplary
• Reduced security incidents by 90% through improved architectural controls
• Created foundation for secure growth and technology evolution

Objective

Implement comprehensive identity and access management solution to meet PCI DSS requirements for access control, authentication, and privileged access management across global operations.

Methodologies

• Assessment of current identity and access management capabilities
• Development of target state architecture aligned with PCI DSS requirements
• Implementation of centralized identity management solution
• Deployment of privileged access management system
• Implementation of multi-factor authentication for all access to CDE
• Development of access governance processes and procedures
• Integration with HR systems for automated provisioning/deprovisioning

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Implemented centralized identity management solution for 15,000+ users
• Deployed privileged access management system for all administrative access
• Implemented multi-factor authentication for 100% of CDE access
• Developed comprehensive access governance processes
• Achieved 99.8% accuracy in access certifications
• Reduced access provisioning time from days to minutes through automation
• Successfully passed PCI DSS requirements 7 and 8 with zero findings
• Established sustainable IAM program aligned with business growth

Objective

Lead and complete a full PCI DSS Report on Compliance (ROC) for Newsman Ltd., validating compliance across all applicable v4.0 requirements, including comprehensive documentation, evidence collection, and assessor readiness.

Methodologies

• Comprehensive scoping of the cardholder data environment
• Detailed gap analysis against all PCI DSS v4.0 requirements
• Evidence collection and documentation for all applicable controls
• Coordination with internal teams for control implementation and validation
• Preparation of formal documentation for QSA review
• Facilitation of assessor interviews and evidence reviews
• Management of remediation activities for identified gaps
• Final report preparation and executive presentation

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Successfully completed full ROC with positive QSA validation
• Documented compliance with all 12 PCI DSS requirement domains
• Reduced evidence collection time by 35% through streamlined processes
• Implemented remediation for all identified gaps within required timeframes
• Established clear documentation standards for future assessments
• Created sustainable evidence collection process integrated with BAU activities
• Received commendation from QSA on documentation quality and completeness
• Achieved executive sign-off with zero outstanding compliance issues

Objective

Ensure compliance with Mastercard's Business Risk Assessment and Mitigation (BRAM) and Visa's Integrity Risk Program (VIRP) by aligning security controls with payment brand security frameworks and implementing breach prevention protocols.

Methodologies

• Comprehensive assessment of current merchant monitoring processes
• Gap analysis against BRAM and VIRP requirements
• Development of enhanced due diligence procedures for high-risk merchants
• Implementation of transaction monitoring system for detecting prohibited activities
• Creation of merchant risk scoring methodology
• Development of compliance reporting framework for card brand requirements
• Integration with existing PCI DSS compliance program
• Implementation of breach prevention and response protocols

Tools & Technologies

Outcomes

• Developed comprehensive merchant risk assessment methodology covering 15+ risk factors
• Implemented enhanced due diligence process for high-risk merchants, reducing onboarding of prohibited merchants by 100%
• Deployed transaction monitoring system capable of identifying suspicious patterns with 92% accuracy
• Reduced false positives in transaction monitoring by 65% through refined rule sets
• Created integrated compliance dashboard covering PCI DSS, BRAM, and VIRP requirements
• Successfully passed Mastercard and Visa compliance reviews with zero findings
• Reduced compliance-related chargebacks by 78% within 6 months of implementation
• Established ongoing monitoring program to maintain payment brand compliance