Simplify PCI Secure Software Framework Audit Readiness

Struggling to cope with PCI SSF (SSLC & S3) updates, technical controls, evolving processes, or compliance governance? We’re here to help, bringing over a decade of PCI expertise to ensure audit readiness for your business
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Adhering to the PCI Secure Software Framework (PCI SSF) ensures that payment software is designed to protect both the integrity of the software and the confidentiality of sensitive data during capture, storage, processing, and transmission. This framework also outlines the necessary processes and roles to be defined and implemented within the organisation. While preparing for audits and maintaining PCI SSF compliance can be complex, having the right expertise can significantly simplify the process.

PCI SSF for Secure Payments

PCI Secure Software Framework (PCISSF)

The PCI SSF encompasses an array of standards and initiatives dedicated to fostering the secure conception and crafting of payment software. This updated SSF comprises two integral parts:

  • The Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SLC) Standard
  • The Secure Software Standard (S3)

The Secure SLC Standard delineates a set of security prerequisites and corresponding evaluation procedures for software providers.These measures ensure the proper management of payment software security throughout its life cycle, particularly for vendors that create software tailored for the payments industry.

Conversely, the Secure Software Standard outlines a series of security mandates and associated assessment procedures. These collectively guarantee that payment software adequately shields the integrity and confidentiality of payment transactions and associated data. This standard applies to payment software destined for sale, distribution, or licensing to third-party entities.

What We Do?

Our governance and advisory services set policies for compliance, provide expert guidance, and security controls implementation services deploy essential technical measures to protect cardholder data and meet PCI DSS standards.

Governance and Advisory

  • Choosing Right Framework (SSLC, S3)
  • PCI SSF Readiness Assessment
  • Compliance Strategy & Roadmap Development
  • Policy & Procedure Development
  • Risk Assessment & Gap Analysis
  • Third-Party & Vendor Compliance Management
  • Security Awareness & Training
  • Compliance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
  • Migration from PADSS to PCI SSF
  • Advisory on Emerging Trends & Regulatory Changes

Security Controls Implementation

  • Assets Register
  • Threat Modelling
  • Key Management
  • Access Control Implementation
  • Cryptography and Encryption
  • Tokenisation and Data Masking
  • Secure Software Development Practices
  • Penetration Testing
  • Audit and Log Management
  • Code Signing and release

What We Do?

Our governance and advisory services set policies for compliance, provide expert guidance, and security controls implementation services deploy essential technical measures to protect cardholder data and meet PCI DSS standards.

Governance and Advisory

  • Choosing Right Framework (SSLC, S3)
  • PCI SSF Readiness Assessment
  • Compliance Strategy & Roadmap Development
  • Policy & Procedure Development
  • Risk Assessment & Gap Analysis
  • Third-Party & Vendor Compliance Management
  • Security Awareness & Training
  • Compliance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
  • Migration from PADSS to PCI SSF
  • Advisory on Emerging Trends & Regulatory Changes

Security Controls Implementation

  • Assets Register
  • Threat Modelling
  • Key Management
  • Access Control Implementation
  • Cryptography and Encryption
  • Tokenisation and Data Masking
  • Secure Software Development Practices
  • Penetration Testing
  • Audit and Log Management
  • Code Signing and release

Process

Starting with a consultation and risk assessment to identify security weaknesses, our team develops a tailored strategy, assists with implementation, and conducts staff training. An internal audit ensures you’re prepared for certification, with continuous support throughout the process.

Initial Consultation

An initial discussion to establish primary points of contact from both organisations, set assessment timelines, outline high-level requirements, and create a project roadmap.

Scope Definition

Clearly define the boundaries of the assessment scope, taking into account any dependencies on third-party entities.

Gap Analysis

Conduct interviews, review documentation, and walkthrough processes to pinpoint areas of improvement and offer recommendations.

Remediation and Advisory Assistance

Provide guidance and support in rectifying identified gaps and in collecting necessary evidence.

Internal Audit

Following a suitable incubation period, a specialised team of experts undertakes internal assessment.

Ongoing Assistance

Continuous support during external audit liaising directly with QSA and ensuring your continued compliance in the longer term.

PCI Secure Software Framework Control Objectives

The PCI SSC publishes both operational and technical requirements, with the primary aim of protecting cardholder data. Compliance standards are developed and overseen by the PCI Security Standards Council.

PCI Secure Life Cycle (SSLC) Standard

Software Security Governance
Control Objective 1: Security Responsibility and Resources
Control Objective 2: Software Security Policy and Strategy
Secure Software Engineering
Control Objective 3: Threat Identification and Mitigation
Control Objective 4: Vulnerability Detection and Mitigation
Secure Software and Data Management
Control Objective 5: Change Management
Control Objective 6: Software Integrity Protection
Control Objective 7: Sensitive Data Protection
Security Communications
Control Objective 8: Software Vendor Implementation Guidance
Control Objective 9: Stakeholder Communications
Control Objective 10: Software Update Information

PCI Secure Software Specification (S3)

Minimizing the Attack Surface
Control Objective 1: Critical Asset Identification
Control Objective 2: Secure Defaults
Control Objective 3: Sensitive Data Retention
Software Protection Mechanisms
Control Objective 4: Critical Asset Protection
Control Objective 5: Authentication and Access Control
Control Objective 6: Sensitive Data Protection
Control Objective 7: Use of Cryptography
Secure Software Operations
Control Objective 8: Activity Tracking
Control Objective 9: Attack Detection
Secure Software Lifecycle Management
Control Objective 10: Threat and Vulnerability Management
Control Objective 11: Secure Software Updates
Control Objective 12: Software Vendor Implementation Guidance
Module A – Account Data Protection Requirements
Control Objective A1: Sensitive Authentication Data
Control Objective A2: Cardholder Data Protection
Module B – Terminal Software Requirements
Control Objective B1: Terminal Software Documentation
Control Objective B2: Terminal Software Design
Control Objective B3: Terminal Software Attack Mitigation
Control Objective B4: Terminal Software Security Testing
Control Objective B5: Terminal Software Implementation Guidance
Module C – Web Software Requirements
Control Objective C.1: Web Software Components & Services
Control Objective C.2: Web Software Access Controls
Control Objective C.3: Web Software Attack Mitigation
Control Objective C.4: Web Software Communications

Team Experience

Our team possesses extensive expertise with payment processors, gateways, and banks, specialising in terminal driving, authorisation and settlement engines, SoftPoS, mobile app, and wallet. We have delivered PCI compliance programs, including PCI DSS, PCI SSF, and PCI P2PE, as well as card scheme compliance.

Why Us?

Why Us?

 

  • Payment Industry experts – Our consultants have led payment product development and PCI programmes for the world’s largest payment organisations, powering solutions used by some of the biggest banks globally.
  • Unbiased Partner – We strive to be your genuine consulting and development partner, refraining from selling hardware or software to maintain impartiality.
  • Comprehensive Assistance – Our team will guide you through every step of the process, from designing  to implementation bringing decades of experience in payments.
  • Flexible engagement – We offer flexible model  that suits your business by embedding Simplified Solutions consultants as part of your organisation or vice versa.
  • Payment Industry experts – Our consultants have led payment product development and PCI programmes for the world’s largest payment organisations, powering solutions used by some of the biggest banks globally.

 

  • Unbiased Partner – We strive to be your genuine consulting and development partner, refraining from selling hardware or software to maintain impartiality.

 

  • Comprehensive Assistance – Our team will guide you through every step of the process, from designing  to implementation bringing decades of experience in payments.

 

  • Flexible engagement – We offer flexible model  that suits your business by embedding Simplified Solutions consultants as part of your organisation or vice versa.

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