PCI DSS Consultancy and QSA Auditing
Overview
PCI DSS compliance presents significant challenges for organisations that handle payment card data or provide services to those that do. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is complex, with demanding requirements for implementation and ongoing maintenance.
Since 2007, Razorthorn has delivered PCI DSS consultancy and Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) audit services to major European organisations with complex payment environments. As one of the most prescriptive security compliance mandates, PCI DSS requires organisations to implement comprehensive policies, procedures and technical controls.
We understand that every organisation faces unique challenges. Our PCI DSS consultancy provides tailored compliance strategies that align with your business objectives and budget, guiding you through the entire compliance lifecycle from initial gap analysis to certification and ongoing maintenance.
Benefits of PCI DSS Consultancy
Comprehensive PCI DSS Gap Analysis
Receive thorough review of your current PCI DSS compliance status against v4.0 requirements. Our gap analysis identifies missing controls, configuration weaknesses and documentation gaps, providing clear understanding of the work required to achieve compliance.
Tailored Compliance Roadmap
Obtain a detailed compliance project plan addressing your organisation’s specific requirements, technical environment and business constraints. Our roadmap prioritises remediation activities, providing realistic timelines and resource requirements for achieving PCI DSS certification.
Expert Remediation Guidance
Access experienced PCI DSS consultants who provide practical recommendations and hands-on support for all remediation actions. We help you implement technical controls, develop policies and procedures, and establish processes that satisfy PCI DSS requirements whilst working within your operational constraints.
QSA Audit Services
Benefit from Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) audit services recognised by Gartner for quality and professionalism. Our QSA team conducts thorough assessments validating your compliance with PCI DSS requirements, providing the Report on Compliance (ROC) or Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) required by payment card brands and acquiring banks.
Clear, Accessible Reporting
Receive compliance reports designed for both technical teams and executive stakeholders. Our documentation explains complex PCI DSS requirements in accessible language, enabling board-level understanding whilst providing technical teams with detailed guidance for implementation.
Ongoing Compliance Support
Maintain PCI DSS compliance beyond initial certification. Our consultants provide ongoing advisory services, helping you manage compliance as your environment evolves, new requirements emerge, and your organisation’s payment processing activities change.
The Razorthorn Approach to PCI DSS Consultancy
Pragmatic, Tailored Compliance Strategies
Our approach simplifies PCI DSS compliance whilst ensuring your business objectives remain at the forefront. We create compliance strategies that are minimally intrusive and cost-effective, without compromising the stringent requirements of the standard. Every organisation faces unique challenges and our consultants develop bespoke solutions aligned with your specific environment, business model and resources.
Comprehensive Compliance Project Management
We guide organisations through the entire PCI DSS compliance lifecycle:
1. Initial Assessment and Scoping
We begin by defining your PCI DSS scope, identifying all systems, networks and processes that store, process or transmit cardholder data. Proper scoping is critical for managing compliance costs and focusing security efforts appropriately.
2. Gap Analysis
Our consultants conduct thorough gap analysis comparing your current environment against PCI DSS v4.0 requirements. We identify missing controls, documentation gaps and technical vulnerabilities requiring remediation before certification.
3. Remediation Planning
We develop detailed remediation plans prioritising activities based on risk, complexity and resource requirements. Our plans provide realistic timelines, clear ownership and practical guidance for implementing required controls.
4. Implementation Support
Throughout remediation, our consultants provide hands-on support. We help implement technical controls, develop policies and procedures, establish security processes and prepare documentation required for audit.
5. Pre-Assessment Readiness Review
Before formal QSA audit, we conduct readiness reviews validating that all controls are in place, properly configured and adequately documented. This preparation ensures smooth audit processes and successful certification.
6. QSA Audit and Certification
Our Qualified Security Assessors conduct formal PCI DSS audits, validating compliance through comprehensive testing and documentation review. We produce the Report on Compliance (ROC) or validate Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ) required by payment card brands.
7. Ongoing Compliance Maintenance
PCI DSS compliance is ongoing, not a one-time achievement. We provide continued support helping you maintain compliance as environments change, respond to new threats and prepare for annual revalidation.
Why Choose Razorthorn for PCI DSS Consultancy?
Gartner-Recognised QSA Services
Razorthorn is recognised by Gartner as a market leader in PCI DSS Qualified Security Assessor services. James Rees, Razorthorn’s MD is a qualified, highly experienced PCI DSS QSA, bringing deep expertise and hands-on leadership to every engagement. This acknowledgement reflects our commitment to providing quality consultancy that meets the highest industry standards and delivers exceptional client outcomes.
Extensive PCI DSS Assessment Experience
Razorthorn has delivered hundreds of PCI DSS advisory and audit engagements for organisations worldwide, from small merchants to large enterprises with complex, multi-national payment infrastructures. Our extensive assessment experience spans all merchant levels, service provider categories and diverse payment processing scenarios, giving us deep insight into the practical challenges organisations face achieving and maintaining PCI DSS compliance.
Expert QSA Team
Our Qualified Security Assessors possess deep PCI DSS expertise and extensive experience conducting audits across diverse industries and technical environments. They understand not just the requirements but how to implement them practically within real-world business constraints.
Complex Environment Specialists
From small businesses with straightforward card processing to large enterprises with complex, multi-national payment infrastructures, we successfully guide clients through PCI DSS compliance challenges. Our consultants understand intricate environments involving multiple acquiring relationships, third-party service providers and diverse payment channels.
Pragmatic, Business-Focused Approach
We balance stringent PCI DSS requirements with practical business needs. Our consultants develop compliance strategies that protect cardholder data effectively whilst minimising operational disruption, controlling costs and supporting business objectives.
End-to-End Service Delivery
Razorthorn manages the complete PCI DSS compliance journey from initial scoping through certification and ongoing maintenance. This comprehensive approach ensures consistency, reduces client burden and delivers successful compliance outcomes.