PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)

Training Description: PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)

Course Overview

The PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) training is designed to educate IT security and compliance professionals in the examination, auditing, and evaluation of payment systems in accordance with PCI DSS requirements. This certification is essential for security experts who wish to certify and ensure business compliance with PCI DSS standards, as well as assess the security of environments handling sensitive payment data.

The program covers key PCI DSS concepts, security assessment of payment systems, business compliance audits, and risk management methods. Participants will learn how to conduct full PCI audits, identify vulnerabilities, and provide recommendations to enhance the security of payment transactions.

Training Objectives

• Gain a deep understanding of PCI DSS security requirements and their application in payment systems.
• Develop skills in PCI auditing and compliance evaluation.
• Learn how to identify and address security vulnerabilities in payment environments.
• Learn to conduct PCI compliance assessments, prepare audit reports, and provide recommendations to secure payment systems.
• Understand the responsibilities of a PCI QSA and the certification process.

Training Program

1. Introduction to PCI DSS and QSA Roles

• What is PCI DSS and its role in payment data security?
• The responsibilities of a PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).
• Overview of PCI DSS requirements and their application in businesses.
• The PCI certification process and the legal responsibilities associated with being a QSA.

2. Components of Payment System Security

• Understanding payment management processes: card transaction processing, data storage, and transmission.
• Architecture and components of payment systems, including POS terminals, payment devices, payment gateways, and processing servers.
• Identifying points of vulnerability in payment systems.

3. The 12 PCI DSS Requirements

• In-depth study of the 12 PCI DSS requirements and how they apply to businesses handling payment data.
• Practical examples of applying each requirement in a payment environment.
• How a QSA evaluates compliance with PCI DSS requirements.

4. Implementing Security Controls and Risk Management

• How to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks in payment systems.
• Implementing security controls to comply with PCI DSS requirements.
• Managing vulnerabilities and incidents in a payment environment.

5. PCI DSS Audit and Compliance Evaluation Process

• Steps for conducting a full PCI audit: preparation, information gathering, security testing, analysis, and reporting.
• PCI audit methodologies: how to test security controls and assess vulnerabilities.
• Creating a PCI DSS audit report and providing recommendations for resolving non-compliance.

6. Handling Non-Compliance and Improvement Recommendations

• Identifying security gaps and areas of non-compliance during a PCI audit.
• How to recommend improvements and solutions for compliance and security in payment systems.
• Managing compliance timelines and post-audit follow-up.

7. Practical Workshop: Conducting a PCI DSS Audit

• Simulated PCI DSS audit: auditing a payment processing infrastructure, assessing security controls, and preparing an audit report.
• Identifying vulnerabilities and risks in a real payment environment.
• Simulating security recommendations and implementing corrective actions.

8. QSA Responsibilities and Ethics

• The role of a PCI QSA in the industry and its ethical obligations.
• The certification process and ongoing responsibility for maintaining PCI compliance.
• Interacting with clients and stakeholders throughout the audit process.

Training Duration

5 to 7 days (approximately 40 to 50 hours), including theoretical sessions, case studies, and practical workshops.

Prerequisites

• Previous experience in IT security management, auditing, or regulatory compliance.
• Basic knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, networking, and payment systems.
• Familiarity with the basics of PCI DSS standards.

Target Audience

• Security auditors and IT consultants.
• Information security officers in organizations handling electronic payments.
• Professionals responsible for PCI DSS compliance in payment-related businesses.
• Systems administrators and network engineers involved in secure payment infrastructures.

Certification

Participants who successfully pass the certification exam at the end of the training will receive the PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) certification, internationally recognized for assessing and certifying payment systems’ compliance with PCI DSS standards.

Join this training to become an expert in auditing payment systems and play a key role in protecting sensitive user data while ensuring compliance with PCI DSS standards.