Do you accept credit cards? If so, you need to be PCI-compliant
PCI compliance is a set of security standards that businesses must follow to protect customer credit card data. If you don’t comply with PCI, you could face fines, penalties, and even lawsuits.
The good news is that achieving PCI compliance doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are a number of Microsoft technologies that can help you get there.
In this post, we’ll explore the top ten ways to achieve PCI compliance using Microsoft technologies. We’ll cover everything from securing your network to encrypting your data to training your employees.
So whether you’re just starting your PCI journey or you’re looking for ways to improve your compliance, this post is for you.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The top ten ways to achieve PCI compliance using Microsoft technologies
- How to get started on your PCI compliance journey
- Tips for improving your PCI compliance
Let’s get started!
The Government is surprisingly reasonable in understanding it will take time to do everything needed. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. It is the same way with becoming PCI compliant.
1. Join Computers to Azure AD
One of the reasons Solzorro loves supporting Microsoft is because of Azure AD. It is the simplest cloud-based solution for managing users, groups, and computers. Utilizing Azure AD’s features such as conditional access policies and device management to improve security is a great way to ensure compliance. Configure policies to control access to company resources and enforce security requirements on devices. This will make your computers centrally managed.
2. Encrypt Hard Drives:
Microsoft BitLocker is one of the surest and easiest ways to encrypt a Windows hard drive. Macs use FileVault and it is highly recommended for OSX Devices. Ultimately, this makes is so that people can’t see your data without your logins.
3. Create Access Controls Policy
Not to sound like a broken record here, but this is another thing Microsoft does really well. Using Microsoft’s SSO for Azure AD, Email, Teams, SharePoint, etc. makes securing your tenant so much easier. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all access to sensitive systems and data. Implement strong password policies, such as minimum length and complexity requirements, and ensure that all users must use unique credentials.
4. Use Microsoft SharePoint for File Collaboration
SharePoint provides a secure platform for storing and managing sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, personally identifiable information (PII), and other confidential data. Ensure that all sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest and utilize features such as SharePoint’s Information Rights Management (IRM) to restrict access and control usage of sensitive data. SharePoint’s built-in access controls and permissions ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data. You can configure SharePoint to only allow Domain Joined Devices to access your files.
5. Regularly Update and Patch all Systems
Implement a process for regular software updates and security patches on all systems, including servers, workstations, and other devices. Utilize a vulnerability management program to scan for and remediate vulnerabilities in a timely manner. This is one of the crucial roles that a good RMM tool can solve.
6. Implement Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software On All Computers
Regularly update and patch all systems and software to ensure vulnerabilities are remediated. For PCI compliance this should be centrally managed. Centrally Managed Anti-Virus solutions can meet firewall requirements for remote users.
7. Implement Firewalls and Monitor Network Traffic for Suspicious Activity
Implement a firewall to control and monitor network traffic to and from devices on the network. Configure the firewall to allow only necessary traffic and to log all traffic for analysis. Monitor network traffic and system logs for suspicious activity and utilize intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to detect and prevent malicious activity. Our favorite brands of firewalls are Fortinet, Sonicwall, & Sophos but there are a lot of good brands out there. If you are working remotely, this will need to be configured on the antivirus side.
8. Train Employees on Security Best Practices and Procedures
Conduct regular security awareness training for all employees (minimum of once yearly) to educate them on security best practices and policies. Include topics such as password security, phishing awareness, and social engineering tactics. Train employees on how to identify and report security incidents.
9. Create Documentation for Response Plans
Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure that users have only the access they require to perform their job functions. Develop and implement a security incident response plan (SIRP) to ensure a rapid and effective response to security incidents. The SIRP should include procedures for reporting incidents, identifying the type and scope of the incident, containing the incident, investigating the cause, and restoring systems and data. These policies should be reviewed and updated annually.
10. Use a Secure Remote Access Solution Like VPN To Access Company Resources
Implement secure remote access solutions, such as VPN, to enable employees to securely access company resources from remote locations. Configure the VPN to require MFA and to restrict access to only necessary resources. This VPN is generally hosted by your Firewall.
Final Thoughts
Achieving PCI compliance is a complex and ongoing process, but it’s essential for businesses to protect their customers’ data and avoid costly fines. By following the tips in this post, your organization can leverage Microsoft technologies to secure your IT environment and comply with industry standards and regulations such as PCI.
Here are some additional tips for achieving PCI compliance:
- Get started early. Don’t wait until the last minute to start working on your PCI compliance. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to implement the necessary security measures.
- Make it a priority. PCI compliance is not something that you can just check off your list. It’s an ongoing process that requires regular attention.
- Get help from a qualified professional. If you’re not sure how to achieve PCI compliance, don’t hesitate to get help from a qualified professional. A security consultant like Solzorro can help you assess your current security posture and develop a plan to achieve PCI compliance.
By following these tips, you can help your organization achieve PCI compliance and protect your customers’ data.
