PCI Qualified PIN Assessor (QPA)

Training Description: PCI Qualified PIN Assessor (QPA)

Course Overview

The PCI Qualified PIN Assessor (QPA) training is designed to train payment system security professionals to become experts in evaluating the security of PIN (Personal Identification Number) entry systems in accordance with PCI PIN compliance standards. This certification is aimed at those seeking advanced skills in assessing, testing, and ensuring that PIN management systems meet PCI DSS and PCI PIN security requirements.

During this course, participants will learn how to evaluate the security of PIN entry systems and understand best practices in protecting sensitive data while validating compliance with PCI requirements.

Training Objectives

• Master the security requirements for PIN entry and processing systems in line with PCI PIN standards.
• Gain expertise in assessing security risks and validating the compliance of PIN systems with PCI requirements.
• Understand the security mechanisms of PINs and cryptographic key management in payment systems.
• Learn how to conduct PCI audits on PIN management systems to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Apply best practices and audit methodologies to protect sensitive user information during PIN entry and storage.

Training Program

1. Introduction to PCI Standards and PCI PIN

• What is PCI DSS and PCI PIN?
• Specific requirements for managing PINs under PCI DSS.
• The importance of PIN security and its role in protecting payment information.

2. Architecture of PIN Entry and Management Systems

• Overview of PIN entry systems in payment environments (payment devices, ATMs, POS terminals, etc.).
• Structure of PIN transaction processing systems and secure PIN storage mechanisms.
• The role of network infrastructure in securing PIN transmissions.

3. Cryptography and PIN Key Management

• Principles of cryptography applied to PINs.
• Cryptographic key management for protecting PINs during transmission and storage.
• Encryption and decryption processes for PINs: mechanisms and best practices.
• Implementing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to secure keys.

4. PCI PIN Requirements for PIN Protection

• Detailed PCI PIN requirements for protecting and processing PINs.
• How to ensure PINs are not stored in clear text.
• PCI standards for validating, distributing, and managing PINs in payment environments.
• PCI DSS requirements for PIN storage and transmission.

5. Auditing and Evaluating PIN Management Systems

• How to audit PIN entry and processing systems for PCI compliance.
• Using audit tools and methodologies to test PIN systems.
• Steps in PCI PIN evaluation: risk assessment, validation of security controls, penetration testing, etc.
• Audit reports and compliance recommendations.

6. Managing Security Incidents Related to PINs

• Identifying security incidents related to unauthorized PIN access.
• Planning and managing security incidents: how to respond to PIN security breaches.
• Best practices for mitigating risks and ensuring a rapid response to incidents.

7. Roles and Responsibilities of a PCI Qualified PIN Assessor

• Responsibilities of a PCI QPA in evaluating and certifying PIN management systems.
• Providing recommendations for implementing security controls and PIN management practices.
• The certification and renewal process for PIN entry systems.

8. Practical Workshop: Auditing a PIN Management System

• Hands-on security audit of a PIN entry and management system.
• Analysis of a payment system and identification of vulnerabilities.
• Simulating an attack and evaluating the compliance of the system’s security controls.

Training Duration

3 to 4 days (approximately 24 to 32 hours), including theoretical sessions and hands-on workshops.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of networking, cryptography, and cybersecurity.
• Prior experience in managing payment systems or handling sensitive data security.
• Familiarity with PCI DSS and PCI PIN security standards.

Target Audience

• Security auditors and PCI compliance experts.
• Professionals responsible for managing payment system security.
• Cybersecurity consultants specializing in payment environments.
• IT managers and information security directors in organizations handling payment transactions and sensitive information.

Certification

Upon completion of the training, participants will receive the PCI Qualified PIN Assessor (QPA) certification, internationally recognized, validating their expertise in auditing and managing the security of PIN entry systems in accordance with PCI standards.

Join this training to become an expert in evaluating and auditing PIN management systems and help businesses comply with payment transaction security requirements while protecting sensitive user information.