Frequently Asked Questions About PCI DSS

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1. Who Must Comply with PCI DSS?

Any organization or individual that:

• Stores
• Processes
• Transmits

payment card data must comply with PCI DSS.

This includes:

• Banks
• Payment processors
• E-wallet providers
• E-commerce platforms
• Businesses operating online payment gateways
• Retail stores using POS card payment terminals

In short, any entity involved in card payment transactions must follow PCI DSS requirements.

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2. How Many PCI DSS Compliance Levels Are There?

The PCI DSS standard divides organizations into four compliance levels (Level 1 to Level 4) based on the number of payment card transactions they process annually, typically measured for Visa or Mastercard transactions over a 12-month period.

Level	Annual Card Transactions	Typical Organizations	Key Compliance Requirements
Level 1	Over 6 million transactions per year	Banks, payment processors, large e-commerce platforms, card processing organizations	Full on-site audit conducted by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or approved internal assessor. Requires ROC (Report on Compliance) and AOC (Attestation of Compliance).
Level 2	1 – 6 million transactions per year	Medium-sized businesses, large POS networks, mid-scale payment service providers	SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire).
Level 3	20,000 – 1 million e-commerce transactions per year	Small and medium online retail businesses	Appropriate SAQ type (SAQ A, A-EP, D, etc.) plus regular vulnerability scanning by an ASV.
Level 4	Fewer than 20,000 e-commerce transactions annually or fewer than 1 million total transactions	Small businesses, retail stores, restaurants, small merchants	Self-assessment (SAQ) recommended, along with periodic vulnerability scans by ASV to reduce risk.

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3. Is PCI DSS Legally Mandatory?

The answer is no. Currently, PCI DSS is not a legal requirement under most national laws.

However, organizations that fail to comply may face serious consequences, including:

• Significant financial penalties
• Suspension or termination of card processing services
• Severe reputational damage if card data is compromised

Therefore, while not mandated by law, PCI DSS compliance is effectively required by payment card networks and acquiring banks.

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4. PCI DSS Versions

The PCI DSS standard has undergone several updates over time to address evolving technologies and emerging cybersecurity threats.

The latest version is PCI DSS v4.0, released in March 2022, which replaces PCI DSS v3.2.1.

A transition period was established until March 2025, allowing organizations sufficient time to upgrade systems and align their security controls with the new requirements.

5. Structure and Core Requirements of PCI DSS

The PCI DSS framework consists of 12 core requirements, organized into six primary security objectives:

1. Build and maintain a secure network and systems
2. Protect cardholder data
3. Maintain a vulnerability management program
4. Implement strong access control measures
5. Regularly monitor and test networks
6. Maintain a comprehensive information security policy

These requirements form the foundation of a robust payment card security management framework.

6. Card Data Encryption Requirements

PCI DSS requires organizations to encrypt sensitive cardholder data, including:

• PAN (Primary Account Number)
• Authentication data during transmission or storage

Encryption must follow recognized cryptographic standards such as:

• AES
• RSA
• Equivalent industry-approved encryption algorithms

This ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and security of payment card information.

7. Consequences of PCI DSS Non-Compliance

Organizations that fail to comply with PCI DSS may face several serious risks, including:

• Financial penalties imposed by banks or international card organizations
• Suspension or revocation of the ability to process card transactions
• Significant damage to brand reputation due to loss of customer trust
• Legal liabilities and compensation claims if a data breach occurs

For these reasons, maintaining PCI DSS compliance is critical for any organization handling cardholder data.

8. Process for Achieving PCI DSS Certification

To achieve PCI DSS compliance effectively, organizations typically follow these key steps:

1. Define the scope of systems that store or process cardholder data
2. Conduct a Gap Assessment or perform a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
3. Remediate identified gaps and implement required security controls
4. Conduct a formal assessment by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) if required
5. Submit compliance documentation, including:
   • ROC (Report on Compliance)
   • AoC (Attestation of Compliance)

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Why Choose SQC Certification Vietnam

SQC Certification Vietnam is part of SQC Certification India, with a global presence including operations in Vietnam.

We proudly support thousands of organizations worldwide in strengthening their reputation and integrating into international markets.

At SQC Certification Vietnam, we focus on helping organizations achieve certification while promoting a culture of continuous improvement through advanced management system assessment and training programs.

SQC Certification Vietnam has become a trusted partner for many organizations nationwide seeking PCI DSS certification.

Our experienced team of local and international experts delivers practical solutions and professional services tailored to each client’s needs.

Organizations working with SQC Certification Vietnam benefit from:

• A scientific, transparent, and professional assessment process
• Streamlined procedures with full support throughout certification
• All-inclusive pricing with no hidden costs
• 24/7 customer support
• Attractive post-certification service and loyalty benefits

Register for Certification

Let SQC Certification Vietnam help your organization achieve international standards professionally and sustainably.

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