Are you confident that your business is PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliant? How prepared is your business to reach PCI DSS standards if you aren’t?
PCI compliance is not a one-time task — it requires ongoing monitoring, security updates, and adherence to strict security controls.
Many companies, when they look at the requirements realize they lack the technical expertise, resources, or dedicated IT staff to manage compliance effectively.
This is where managed security service providers (MSSPs) step in to help. As an MSSP, here at Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) we simplify PCI compliance by providing expert guidance, proactive security measures, and continuous support.
In this article, we’ll answer the following questions:
- What is PCI-DSS compliance?
- How does an MSSP help with PCI DSS compliance?
We also invited Sean Harris, ITS Senior VP for Cybersecurity, to share his insights about PCI compliance, to further help you with your quest to meet PCI standards.
By the end of this article, you’ll know how and why an MSSP helps you achieve your data security goals.
Alt text: A credit card placed on financial charts, representing how an MSSP helps with PCI compliance and secure payment processing
What Is PCI Compliance, and Why Does It Matter?
PCI DSS sets security standards for businesses that process, store, or transmit credit card data. You won’t get a credit card terminal from banking institutions without it.
Non-compliance also heightens the risk of hefty fines and damage to your reputation. Remember the 2013 Target Data Breach? Where hackers exploited a terminal vulnerability?
You don’t want that happening to you.
Compliance is an unfortunately complex issue, with multiple requirements that might stretch your company resources.
Sean Harris explained: "A lot of companies are not prepared for compliance checks. I often ask them, 'When was the last time you reviewed your security policies?' More often than not, the answer is either 'years ago' or 'we're working on it.' That’s a serious risk."
PCI compliance is verified by Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) or Internal Security Assessors (ISAs), depending on the size and structure of the business.
Additionally, acquiring banks and payment processors may require compliance reports to ensure adherence to PCI DSS standards. While PCI DSS fines are "defined by each of the payment card brands”, you still run the risk of fines from $5,000 to $100,000 per month, while larger breaches can result in fines reaching millions of dollars.
This is where an MSSP provides the right IT support.
How an MSSP Helps with PCI Compliance
1. Identifying Compliance Gaps
Achieving compliance starts with understanding where a business falls short. An MSSP conducts a gap analysis, assessing security controls against PCI DSS requirements. This analysis highlights vulnerabilities and provides a roadmap for addressing compliance gaps efficiently.
2. Strengthening Security Measures
PCI DSS emphasizes robust security measures to protect cardholder data. An MSSP provides tailored solutions, such as:
- Firewall management – Prevents unauthorized access to networks.
- Data encryption – Secures sensitive information in transit and at rest.
- Endpoint security – Protects devices accessing company systems.
- Access controls – Restricts access to sensitive data based on user roles.
"Businesses assume that implementing security tools is enough," Harris points out. "But if they never test their backups or [tools], they haven’t completely reduced their risk. We [MSSPs] help ensure their protections actually work."
3. Simplifying Compliance Documentation
Documentation is crucial for PCI audits, but many businesses struggle with record-keeping. An MSSP provides templates, tools, and structured guidance to streamline documentation.
"One of the first things we do is help them document and validate processes,” Harris explained.
Staying on top of compliance documentation prepares you for any and all audits.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection
Compliance is not a one-time thing — it requires ongoing security monitoring. An MSSP provides real-time threat detection, identifying and mitigating risks before they become breaches. Regular reports and system audits help businesses stay prepared for compliance checks.
"Threats evolve constantly," says Harris. "A company may pass an audit today, but if they don’t have continuous monitoring in place, they could be non-compliant next month."
5. Employee Awareness Training
Many security breaches happen because of human error. An MSSP provides tailored security awareness training, helping employees understand best practices for handling sensitive data and recognizing phishing attempts. Educating staff drastically reduces the risk of compliance violations.
READ: 4 Ways Employees Are Cybersecurity Risks (& What to Do About It)
6. Cost-Effective Compliance Support
If you had to hire an entire security team, create and manage your own security tools, and handle the day-to-day IT troubles of your company, you’d have to invest at least $271,025 annually, with the average salary of your Chief Security Officer being an estimated $148,768 per year.
READ: Cost of Cybersecurity (Factors to Consider)
An MSSP provides access to certified cybersecurity experts at a fraction of the cost. Businesses receive high-quality support without the overhead expenses of building an internal team.
Ready to achieve PCI compliance with an MSSP?
Building a successful PCI-compliant business is a complex process, requiring strict adherence to security standards, continuous monitoring, and regular updates to stay ahead of evolving threats.
It’s overwhelming to navigate these requirements – especially if you haven’t had the chance to invest in dedicated cybersecurity resources.
Fortunately, an experienced MSSP provides a structured approach to PCI compliance by offering comprehensive security solutions, in-depth gap analyses, and employee training.
Instead of navigating compliance challenges alone, you gain a trusted partner who ensures that your systems, processes, and policies align with PCI DSS requirements.
At ITS, we specialize in proactive, customized, and cost-effective compliance solutions tailored to your business needs. Our team of experts helps businesses like yours achieve and maintain PCI compliance with minimal disruption, so you can focus on growth and innovation while staying protected.
Don’t let PCI compliance become a roadblock to your success.
Take the stress out of security and compliance — contact ITS today to schedule a consultation and secure your PCI compliance.
If you need more information about compliance services before reaching out, take a look at some of our other resources:
- Everything You Need to Know About Managed IT
- Choosing the Best Compliance-Focused MSP (4 Insider Tips)
- IT Cost Calculator [TOOL]
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