PCI SSLC firms help organizations achieve and maintain compliance with:
- Initial preparation, including scoping out implementation
- Strategic oversight and program advisory for overall governance
- Implementation or mapping assistance, including remediation
- Assessment and reporting on compliance for validation
- Ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting support
Phase 1: Preparatory and Scoping Guidance
The Payment Card Industry (PCI) Secure Software Lifecycle (Secure SLC or SSLC) framework is a relatively new regulation. It is one of the two Software Security Framework (SSF) guides that have replaced the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) as of October 2022. For organizations that were subject to the PA-DSS, the first hurdle to remaining PCI compliant is understanding which parts of the SSF apply and how to validate their security.
That’s where PCI SSLC consultants come in. Working with an advisor will help you understand the differences between the SSLC and the Secure Software Standard and whether one or both apply to your organization. In many cases, both halves of the SSF will apply simultaneously, alongside other regulatory frameworks from the PCI and other governing bodies. PCI SSLC services will help you minimize overlap and redundancy across all applicable requirements.
Phase 2: Governance and Program Oversight
In practice, even the most sophisticated controls rely on strong governance to be effective. PCI SSLC firms will work with you to develop policies and programs that ensure both security and seamless compliance. They’ll also assist with cybersecurity awareness training programs to ensure all stakeholders are vigilant and ready to contribute to your culture of data privacy.
As organizations scale, cybersecurity governance becomes increasingly critical. Most mature and effective cyberdefense deployments are overseen by executives such as Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). For growing organizations, a third-party virtual CISO (vCISO) can provide much of the same functionality on an as-needed basis and at a fraction of the cost.
Aside from being the foundation of any sound cyberdefense system, governance and top-level strategy are the specific focuses of the first requirements in the SSLC framework. Working with a PCI SSLC consultant to optimize policies will prepare you for a seamless control deployment.
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Phase 3: Initial and Remedial Deployment
With sound governance in place, it’s time to install controls that meet the SSLC’s requirements, whether starting from scratch or modifying controls implemented for other regulatory needs.
The SSLC comprises 10 Control Objectives distributed across four categories:
- Software security governance –
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- Control Objective 1: Establish security responsibilities and resources
- Control Objective 2: Communicate security policies and strategies
- Secure software engineering –
- Control Objective 3: Identify and manage threats
- Control Objective 4: Detect and mitigate vulnerabilities
- Secure software and data management –
- Control Objective 5: Manage changes
- Control Objective 6: Protect software integrity
- Control Objective 7: Protect production data
- Security communications –
- Control Objective 8: Provide vendor implementation guidance
- Control Objective 9: Maintain communication channels
- Control Objective 10: Provide updated information
Each of these Control Objectives breaks down into one or more specifications, which include Test Requirements and Guidance on how to meet them. Working with a PCI SSLC consultant will help you meet these requirements efficiently and sustainably for long-term compliance.
Phase 4: Assessment and Official Reporting
Once your controls are in place, you’ll need to perform an assessment through a third-party service provider to validate your compliance. The PCI’s Security Standards Council certifies and lists approved assessors, but not all PCI SSLC firms are created equal. You’ll want to find a provider that’s flexible and accommodating to your SSLC and broader regulatory needs.
In terms of the assessment itself, the assessor will audit all in-scope systems and controls to verify that they meet the specified Test Requirements. If they do, the assessor will file a Report on Validation (ROV) with the SSC. They’ll also need to draft an Attestation of Validation (ROV), which is signed by the assessor and your organization. The SSC reviews all documentation and, assuming no issues are identified, will validate your compliance—but not indefinitely.
Phase 5: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Once you’ve achieved compliance, it’s equally critical to ensure that the SSLC controls and governance put in place are maintained long-term. This is one of the most impactful benefits of holistic PCI SSLC services rather than restrictive one-off engagements; the best providers offer regular check-ins and follow-up audits to ensure that your organization remains compliant.
One of the top considerations on this front is ensuring that controls are up-to-date and active on all in-scope systems, especially as new software and hardware are added. As an added bonus, your advisor can cross-reference these scans with applicable requirements for other regulatory frameworks, such as the overall SSF or PCI Data Security Standard (DSS).
Ultimately, working with a quality PCI SSLC consultant helps ensure long-term compliance.
Optimize Your PCI SSLC Program Today
Ultimately, working with a qualified advisor is the best way to both achieve and maintain your PCI SSLC certification. RSI Security has helped countless organizations subject to the PA-DSS, and we are now committed to helping many of the same organizations stay compliant with the SSF. The right way is the only way to stay secure; we’ll help you rethink your defenses to do so.
To learn more about the best PCI SSLC firm you can use, contact RSI Security today!
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