How to Secure Your AuditBoard for PCI DSS Badge/Seal

 

Securing your AuditBoard platform for PCI DSS compliance means protecting cardholder data and passing the mandatory PCI DSS audit. PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard—a global standard all companies handling payment cards must meet. Below you’ll find everything you need—requirements, what’s most important during an audit, how to secure your system, and how to actually earn the PCI DSS badge/seal (compliance certificate).

• Understand PCI DSS: PCI DSS is a set of 12 security requirements, like strong access controls, firewalls, and secure storage of cardholder data. Any application or platform (like AuditBoard) that processes, stores, or transmits cardholder data is in scope.
• Scope Your Environment: Clearly define what parts of your AuditBoard environment touch cardholder data. Limit scope to only necessary systems—you want only those components in PCI DSS scope. This keeps compliance and audits easier.
• Secure AuditBoard Access: Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users. Restrict access using least privilege—only let people access what they truly need.
• Encrypt Data In Transit & At Rest: Ensure all sensitive cardholder data sent to and from AuditBoard is encrypted using strong protocols (like TLS 1.2+). If any data is stored, encrypt that too. Never allow unencrypted card data anywhere.
• Monitor and Log Activity: Set up monitoring in AuditBoard. Enable logging to track who logs in, what data they access, and what they change. AuditBoard provides strong audit trails—use them! Centralize these logs for fast review.
• Update and Patch Regularly: Keep AuditBoard and all connected systems updated with the latest security patches. Old/unpatched software is a top way attackers get in.
• Review User Accounts Regularly: Go through all accounts—remove unused ones. Immediately disable accounts for people who leave the company.
• Vendor Management: Confirm with AuditBoard that their SaaS platform is itself PCI DSS compliant (they publish relevant compliance). Your company is still responsible for correct use and configuration.
• Run Regular Security Scans: Use vulnerability scanning tools on all systems in scope. Address findings quickly—auditors will check your scan history and responses.
• Security Policies & Training: Write clear policies for handling cardholder data in AuditBoard. Train all relevant staff—auditors may quiz your team! Mistakes are a top source of incidents.

 

How to Get the PCI DSS Badge/Seal for Your AuditBoard Environment

 

• Perform a PCI DSS Readiness Assessment: Before the official audit, have your environment reviewed by a PCI DSS consulting firm. OCD Tech is highly respected for this and can spot gaps early.
• Fix All Weaknesses: Address any vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or missing documentation found in the readiness review. This step is crucial.
• Complete the PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) or Full Audit: Small merchants can often use the SAQ; large ones need a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) audit. If you’re unsure, OCD Tech can help determine what applies.
• Documentation: Prepare and keep all required policies, logs, and evidence. You must show these to your auditor.
• Undergo the Official Audit or Submit SAQ: Your qualified auditor (QSA) will inspect your controls and evidence. If you pass, they help you receive the PCI DSS Attestation of Compliance (AOC)—this is your badge/seal.
• Ongoing Compliance: PCI DSS is not one-and-done—renew every year, patch regularly, and repeat readiness checks to keep your status. Consider bringing in OCD Tech for annual assessments.

Most important for passing audit: Proper access controls, encryption, strong policies, thorough logging, and clear scoping. Auditors focus heavily here.

By following these steps and with the right partners (such as OCD Tech for PCI DSS consulting and readiness assessment), you’ll know exactly how to secure your AuditBoard for PCI DSS and get the badge/seal.