Framework · PCI SSC

PCI DSS, for cardholder data.

If you touch card data, you need PCI. SAQ-D, ROC, or Level 1, we've shipped them all.

What is PCI DSS

The plain-English version.

PCI DSS 4.0 is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It applies to anyone storing, processing, or transmitting cardholder data. Levels 1-4 depending on transaction volume.

  • SAQ or ROC scoping
  • Tokenization strategy
  • QSA-ready evidence
How we help

Three lanes, readiness, implementation, audit support.

01

Readiness

Gap assessment against PCI DSS. Concrete plan with owners, dates, and effort.

02

Implementation

Policies, controls, evidence pipelines built into Vanta. AI drafts, experts review.

03

Audit support

We sit beside you in audit interviews and respond to evidence requests.

Timeline

From kickoff to certification.

DAY 0

Kickoff

Slack channel live. Scope, stakeholders, baseline.

DAY 30

Readiness

Gaps closed, policies signed, evidence flowing.

DAY 60

Audit prep

Mock audit, control narratives, auditor selection.

DAY 90

Audit

External audit closed. Letter or report in hand.

PCI DSS customer
“The Trust Architects ran our PCI DSS program end to end. We touched it for sign-off and stakeholder review. Everything else was on rails.”
RS
Renata Soares
CTO · Fintech BR
Fintech BR
90 days
PCI DSS certification
FAQ

PCI DSS questions we hear weekly.

How long does PCI DSS take?

Most customers complete a first audit in 60-90 days from kickoff. Larger programs run 4-6 months.

What does it cost?

Our retainer plus the external auditor's fee. We size it to your stage on the first call.

Do we need new tooling?

Vanta is our default. We can also work on Drata or Secureframe. No tooling change required if you're already on a platform.

Who runs the audit?

An independent PCI SSC-qualified auditor. We have preferred firms in Brazil, the US, and Europe.

Will this stand up to enterprise scrutiny?

Yes. We design programs that pass not only the audit but also the buyer's security team review afterward.

05 · Timeline

From kickoff to audit, in four moves.

Day 0

SAQ scoping & gap

Kickoff, scope, baseline read.

Day 30

Network segmentation

First artifacts shipped, evidence pipeline running.

Day 60

Quarterly scans live

Internal audit, remediation closed, audit prep complete.

Day 90

External assessor ROC

Audit run, defended, and certified. Operate phase begins.