Top 10 PCI DSS Solutions to Secure Your Payment Card Data

PCI DSS comprises a set of comprehensive requirements designed to secure credit and debit card transactions against data theft and fraud. It mandates businesses to implement robust security measures, including firewalls, encryption, and regular security monitoring, among others.

In 2023, the FTC received over 1.1 million reports of identity theft, with 416,582 involving credit cards. PCI DSS compliance makes businesses secure from such breaches and helps them avoid hefty fines. Here, we’ll explore the top 10 PCI DSS solutions for securing payment card data and maintaining compliance.

How to Choose a PCI DSS Compliance Solution

Finding the right PCI DSS solution is essential for protecting your business against data breaches and meeting industry standards. Here are some tips and features to help you become PCI DSS compliant:

• Data Classification and Inventory: Ensure the solution can inventory your IT environment and classify sensitive cardholder data. This foundational step is crucial for implementing effective security and data handling procedures.
• Managed Firewalls and Network Security: Look for solutions that facilitate the implementation and regular review of managed firewalls, including formal procedures for approving firewall changes. Network segmentation capabilities are also essential to isolate systems handling cardholder data.
• Password and Encryption Management: The solution should enforce changing default passwords and encrypting cardholder data using strong, industry-standard protocols such as AES. Encryption keys should be stored securely and separately from the data.
• Antivirus and Access Controls: Ensure the solution supports deploying and regularly updating antivirus software and implementing strong Identity and Access Management measures. Access to cardholder data should be restricted based on need-to-know principles, with unique IDs assigned to all users for accountability.
• Monitoring and Reporting: The solution should include capabilities to track and monitor access to cardholder data, creating an audit trail for compliance verification. Robust reporting tools are essential for tracking compliance status and generating audit-ready documentation.
• Physical Security and Data Disposal: The solution should ensure physical security for all systems containing regulated data and facilitate the secure storage and timely destruction of data when no longer necessary, with automated or manual processes.
• Security Policies and Training: Support for creating comprehensive organizational information security policies and providing mandatory security awareness training for all employees, with annual refresher courses, is vital.
• Incident Response Planning: The solution should assist in developing, testing, and maintaining an incident response plan to address PCI DSS-related issues, incorporating measures such as intrusion detection and file integrity monitoring.

The Importance of Scalability, Support, and Integration Capabilities

It's essential to consider a solution’s scalability, support, and integration capabilities. A scalable solution can grow with your organization, accommodating increased transaction volumes and expanding IT environments without compromising security or performance. 

Comprehensive support and training are crucial to ensure the solution provider offers robust support options. It includes technical assistance and user training to update your team with the latest PCI DSS requirements. 

It is vital for the solution to integrate seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure and other security tools. A PCI DSS solution that connects easily with your current systems will streamline compliance efforts and enhance overall security.

Best PCI DSS Solutions to Consider

These solutions help meet the requirements of the PCI DSS and enhance overall data security, reduce the risk of breaches, and streamline compliance management. 

1. Strac

Strac offers a comprehensive Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution designed to secure sensitive personal and financial data across various platforms, including endpoint devices, SaaS applications, and cloud services. It protects data by identifying, classifying, and remediating sensitive information such as PII, PHI, PCI, and intellectual property. It is tailored to meet the stringent requirements of PCI DSS, ensuring the security of cardholder data.

Key features:

• Sensitive Data Discovery and Classification: Strac instantly identifies and classifies sensitive data the moment it is shared, ensuring immediate protection and compliance.
• Real-time Data Redaction and Encryption: The solution secures cardholder data during transmission through real-time redaction and encryption, aligning with PCI DSS mandates to protect data in motion.
• SaaS DLP Integration: The platform integrates with various SaaS applications, providing data loss prevention across platforms like Slack, Gmail, Office 365, Zendesk, Google Drive, and more.
• Endpoint DLP: It offers sensitive data protection for endpoint devices, including Linux, Windows, and Mac systems.
• Granular Access Controls and Monitoring: Strac enforces stringent access controls and continuous monitoring to restrict data access to authorized personnel only.

• AI and ML Enhanced Classification: Strac uses artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to classify data more accurately and efficiently.
• OCR Capabilities: It detects sensitive data hidden in images using Optical Character Recognition (OCR), ensuring no data goes unnoticed.

Most Suitable for:

• Businesses of all sizes that need to secure sensitive data across multiple platforms and environments. 
• Organizations that handle a large volume of personal, financial, and proprietary data.

What are Customers Saying about Strac

2. Sprinto

Sprinto is a compliance automation platform designed to simplify and streamline the process of achieving and maintaining PCI DSS compliance. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services that help businesses manage their compliance requirements efficiently. Sprinto is particularly well-suited for organizations looking to automate repetitive tasks, reduce manual effort, and ensure continuous compliance with PCI DSS standards.

Key Features:

• Automated Compliance Management: Streamlines the implementation and monitoring of PCI DSS controls.
• Integrated System Controls: Provides an entity-wide control system and cloud integration.
• Expert Guidance and Support: Offers assistance from compliance specialists.
• Continuous Monitoring and Real-time Alerts: Scans the business environment for compliance issues.
• User-friendly Dashboard: Tracks compliance status and manages efforts effectively.

3. RiskOptics

RiskOptics, with its ZenGRC platform, offers a centralized solution to streamline and simplify PCI DSS compliance. ZenGRC reduces administrative burden by automating many compliance tasks, minimizing human error, and enhancing security posture.

Key Features:

• Centralized Compliance Dashboard: Provides a real-time overview of compliance status with customizable reports and visuals.
• Automated Control Mapping: Matches security controls to PCI DSS requirements.
• Continuous Monitoring and Alerts: Detects changes or deviations from PCI standards.
• Streamlined Audits and Reporting: Simplifies the audit process with workflows.
• Ongoing Support: Helps optimize compliance strategies.

4. Astra Security

Astra Security combines automated vulnerability scanning with manual penetration testing to help organizations achieve and maintain PCI DSS compliance. The platform is particularly noted for its user-friendly dashboard, allowing easy monitoring, management, and remediation of identified vulnerabilities.

Key Features:

• Automated Vulnerability Scanner: Conducts extensive tests to identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Manual Penetration Testing: Complements automated scans to uncover complex vulnerabilities.
• Zero False Positives: Ensures accurate vulnerability detection and reduces remediation efforts.
• CI/CD Integration: Provides continuous automated scanning within CI/CD pipelines.
• Detailed Reports: Offers risk scores, remediation steps, and prioritization.

5. Hyperproof

Hyperproof is an advanced PCI DSS compliance solution that streamlines and automates the process of PCI DSS compliance.  Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful integrations, Hyperproof supports many compliance frameworks. It supports continuous monitoring and automated testing of PCI DSS controls to provide real-time insights.

Key Features:

• PCI DSS 4.0 Program Template: Includes all requirements and controls.
• Automated Evidence Collection: Hypersyncs reduce manual workload.
• Task Assignment and Workflow Automation: Enhances productivity.
• Control Testing and Monitoring: Provides real-time insights.
• Compliance Posture Dashboards: Gives a clear view of compliance progress.

6. Next DLP

Next is a data loss prevention solution designed to classify data as it is entered into the environment. It ensures that sensitive information receives the appropriate level of protection. This tool promotes PCI DSS compliance and protects cardholder data from internal and external threats. 

Key Features:

• Automatic Data Classification: Ensures appropriate protection of collected data.
• Insider Risk Management: Focuses on mitigating insider threats.
• Seamless Integration: Integrates with existing systems for comprehensive protection.
• User Activity Tracking: Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data.
• Real-time Alerts: Provides immediate notifications for suspicious activities.

7. Drata

Drata is a powerful security and compliance automation platform designed to streamline compliance efforts for businesses. It continuously monitors and collects evidence of a company's security controls to simplify compliance with PCI DSS. It ensures that even non-experts can manage their compliance processes effectively.

Key Features:

• Continuous Scanning: Identifies vulnerabilities and provides real-time alerts for detected issues.
• Native Integrations: Over 75 integrations with tools and services like ADP, Zoho, AWS, and Salesforce.
• Single Dashboard Management: Centralized management of all compliance controls and requirements.
• Dedicated Support Team: Provides proactive audit readiness and support from compliance experts.
• Real-time Evidence Collection: Eliminates manual data gathering and reduces error risks.

8. Vanta

Vanta helps businesses achieve and maintain compliance with various security standards, including PCI DSS. The platform automates up to 60% of the work required to prove PCI DSS compliance, making it a time-saving and cost-effective solution for businesses that handle cardholder data.

Key Features:

• Automated Compliance Tasks: Includes risk assessments, security controls, and continuous scans.
• Centralized Dashboard: Monitors security practices and tracks compliance efforts.
• Customizable Controls and Policies: Pre-built controls and policies tailored to specific business needs.
• Automated Reporting: Simplifies audit report generation, such as SAQs and ROCs.
• Extensive Integrations: Supports over 200 integrations with common business systems.

9. Orca Security

Orca Security is a leading cloud security platform that offers an agentless approach to securing cloud environments. This PCI DSS solution provides comprehensive security and compliance coverage across multiple cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The platform leverages its patented SideScanning technology to deliver full visibility and protection without needing agents.

Key Features:

• Agentless Security: Eliminates the need for installing agents on cloud workloads.
• Full Visibility and Coverage: Provides 100% visibility across all cloud assets.
• Regulatory Framework Support: Supports over 100 regulatory frameworks, including PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
• Automated Remediation: Quickly addresses compliance issues and security risks.
• Context-driven Intelligence: Prioritizes the most critical security risks.
• Detailed Compliance Reports: Generates comprehensive reports for internal stakeholders and auditors.

10. Tripwire

Tripwire specializes in continuous PCI DSS compliance through its product suite, which helps organizations secure their cardholder data environment. Its solutions are widely used by merchants, banks, and payment processors to create and enforce comprehensive PCI security policies.

Key Features:

• Policy Management and File Integrity Monitoring: Provides real-time alerts on changes.
• Automated Compliance Enforcement: Reduces audit cycles and costs.
• Extensive Integrations: Supports cloud-based assets, network devices, directory servers, and databases.
• Agentless Architecture: Requires no software installation on endpoints.
• Continuous Compliance: Ensures organizations achieve and maintain PCI DSS compliance.

Final Thoughts

With this listicle, we have discussed some of the top PCI DSS solutions available to help businesses achieve and maintain compliance. Each solution offers unique features designed to streamline compliance processes, enhance data security, and reduce the risk of breaches.

Among these excellent solutions, Strac stands out. with its comprehensive approach to data loss prevention and PCI DSS compliance. With integration across various SaaS applications and endpoint devices, organizations can maintain PCI DSS compliance while protecting cardholder data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is PCI DSS compliance and why is it important?

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Compliance with PCI DSS is crucial as it helps protect sensitive cardholder data from breaches and fraud to avoid hefty fines.

Q2. How to comply with PCI DSS effectively?

To comply with PCI DSS effectively, understand the requirements, identify and classify cardholder data, and implement strong security measures. Additionally, regularly test security systems, maintain updated policies, and use compliance solutions to ensure ongoing compliance.

Q3. What features should I look for in a PCI DSS compliance solution?

When selecting a PCI DSS compliance solution, prioritize features that automate compliance management, such as evidence collection, real-time monitoring, and continuous compliance checks. Look for solutions that offer comprehensive reporting capabilities, enabling you to generate detailed compliance and audit reports effortlessly. The solution should integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and provide robust data protection across various platforms.