How to Choose the Right PCI DSS Certification Level for Your Business
PCI DSS certification isn’t one-size-fits-all. The PCI SSC categorizes businesses into levels based on transaction volume. Choosing the right PCI DSS certification in Indonesia level is essential for compliance and cost efficiency.
Generally speaking, there are four PCI DSS compliance levels, ranging from Level 4 to Level 1.
PCI Level 1: Companies that handle more than 6 million credit card transactions annually: Of the four PCI compliance levels, this one has the strictest reporting requirements. A yearly Report on Compliance (RoC) is required of Level 1 merchants in place of a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ). A company will collaborate with a third-party Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to finish a RoC. A thorough audit by the QSA will determine if a company has successfully complied with the PCI DSS regulations, and the results will be compiled in a report of findings. These audits have to happen once a year. Level 1 merchants are subject to two forms of testing in addition to the RoC: yearly penetration testing and quarterly network scanning. Additionally, an Attestation of Compliance (AoC) form is part of Level 1 audits.This document states that the business has complied with the requirements of the PCI DSS Certification standard and is signed off by the QSA. It’s also very important to note that any merchant who has suffered a data breach resulting in compromised cardholder data can be placed in Level 1 by their acquiring banks or requesting parties.
PCI Level 2: Companies that handle between one million and six million credit card transactions annually : An yearly compliance audit report led by the QSA is not mandatory for these merchants. They will instead complete a SAQ. Having a third-party QSA firm certify against this SAQ at PCI Level 2 might be necessary. A set of self-guided questions that evaluate your PCI compliance is called a SAQ. Which of the eight SAQs you complete will depend on whether you are a merchant or a service provider, as well as the kind of merchant you are.
PCI Level 3: Companies that handle between 20,000 and one million credit card transactions annually: This level of merchants must finish a SAQ for their company, which includes the necessary penetration testing and ASV scanning. They must also finish an AoC and perform quarterly scans by an ASV.
PCI Level 4: Companies that handle less than 20,000 credit card transactions annually: This compliance category frequently includes small organizations, who just need a SAQ along with the necessary penetration testing and ASV scanning.
Reporting obligations may vary by PCI compliance level, with Level 1 requiring a third-party audit and Level 4 requiring a self-attestation.
A PCI DSS consultancy in Indonesia can help evaluate your business operations and recommend the most cost-effective and compliance-friendly certification level.
Choosing the right certification level ensures compliance without overspending. Working with a certified PCI DSS consultant can streamline this decision-making process.