The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) aims to prevent financial fraud by securing payment card data. Any company that handles this data must implement security measures to ward off unauthorized access.
In this process, you’ll come across key terms like PCI SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire), AOC (Attestation of Compliance), and PCI ROC (Report on Compliance). Let’s focus on the ROC for now. It assesses a company’s security controls that protect cardholder data, providing a detailed analysis of compliance with the 12 requirements of the PCI DSS standard and pointing out any identified shortcomings.
Every year, organizations must show that they comply with PCI DSS. However, not all merchants or service providers need a ROC. It’s crucial to understand these requirements and the complexities of data storage and transmission for compliance.
Difference Between PCI ROC and AOC: What Sets Them Apart?
First off, we have a QSA. Their job is to prepare the ROC, which is a detailed document that records the results of a PCI DSS evaluation. This is a really important step for making sure a merchant is following the PCI DSS rules, especially if they’re a Level 1 Merchant. The QSA does this by conducting an audit of the organization’s processes and controls.
Now, typically, this ROC is something that gets done before the Attestation of Compliance (AOC), so you can think of it as the first step in the compliance process.
On the other hand, there’s the Attestation of Compliance (AOC), which is a form that merchants must complete to demonstrate their compliance with the PCI DSS at any level. Among other things, the AOC confirms that the merchant has completed a valid Report on Compliance (ROC) and Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).
And here’s the thing – the AOC is usually the final step in the compliance process. It’s there to confirm that everything in the ROC is accurate. So, in a way, the AOC is like the final seal of approval in the compliance process.
Why It’s Worth Considering the Completion of an ROC?
Let’s talk about why completing an ROC might be a great move for your business, even if it’s not a mandatory requirement.
By choosing to complete an ROC, your business can reap several benefits:
- Autonomy – It’s all about taking the initiative. When you opt for a PCI Report on Compliance, you’re making a conscious decision to bring in an unbiased, third-party entity to evaluate your environment. This isn’t just about ticking off a task on a checklist – it’s a clear demonstration of your commitment to security.
- Assurance – Trust plays a big role here. Your organization brings on board a reliable Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to carry out your PCI Report on Compliance. This not only instills confidence in the final report’s accuracy and validity but also ensures that you’re on the right track.
- Certainty – There’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve done things right. Once the ROC process is successfully completed, you can rest easy knowing that your organization has met all 12 requirements of the latest version of the PCI Data Security Standards.
- Competitive Edge – Going the extra mile can set you apart from the competition. Organizations that aren’t required to complete a PCI Report on Compliance can still choose to do so, showcasing their commitment to security and compliance. This proactive approach can give you an edge over competitors who may not prioritize these measures.
So, while completing an ROC might not be a requirement for every business, the benefits it offers make it a worthwhile consideration.
Conclusion:
Is a PCI Report on Compliance the right fit for your organization? This is a question only you can answer, considering your unique circumstances. Opting for a ROC, even if not mandatory, reflects your commitment to compliance and security.
Lets us help you
Need help navigating PCI DSS v4.0? We have been active in the PCI DSS space since 2008 and even certify payment brand. Our PCI DSS services provide assurance on card security controls, with offerings for both product platform and backend services attestation.
We have a dedicated team of auditors and a separate team for consulting/advisory assignments to even help our esteemed clients to define processes and achieve compliance.
We have completed multiple PCI DSS 4.0 certifications too right from scoping to Readiness Assessment, Advisory and Final Certification.
We are vendor neutral and have a strict no-outsourcing policy. We can also assist you with the technical assessments needed for PCI DSS Compliance – Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing, Network Segmentation Testing, Network Architecture Review, Firewall Assessment, Secure Configuration Assessment, Web and Mobile Application Security Assessment, and Secure Code Review.
