PCI DSS Compliance Services
PCI Scope Explained: What’s In Scope, What’s Out, and Why
PCI scope decisions drive cost, effort, and outcomes. In this on-demand session, we break down what’s truly in scope, what’s not, and how to right-size your PCI approach, so you avoid wasted time and reduce gaps that lead to findings.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
How PCI DSS Compliance Support Works
PCI work goes smoother when scope is clear, evidence is organized early, and testing aligns to the standard. Our process is built to reduce rework and keep stakeholders aligned.
5-step process
- Discovery + card data flow review (systems, vendors, applications, people, and processes)
- Scope + segmentation validation (right-size the CDE and confirm boundaries)
- Gap identification + remediation roadmap (prioritized by risk and effort)
- Testing + assessment support (ASV, pen testing, web app testing, evidence prep)
- Reporting + ongoing advisory (ROC/AOC support, SAQ guidance, Virtual QSA)
Why Businesses Work with a PCI Qualified Security Assessor
Most PCI challenges come down to scope uncertainty, time constraints, and pressure from acquirers, customers, or internal audit teams.
- Confusion about what’s in scope and how to reduce it safely
- Prior findings that keep coming back year after year
- New payment flows, platforms, or third parties that change the environment
- Tight timelines for ROC/AOC submission or customer security reviews
- Limited internal bandwidth to manage evidence, testing, and remediation
- Need for independent validation of segmentation and controls
- Audit fatigue from overlapping frameworks and repeated requests
Questions About Your PCI Requirements?
Whether you’re preparing for a ROC, completing an SAQ, or unsure what’s truly in scope, our PCI Qualified Security Assessors can help you clarify requirements, reduce unnecessary scope, and move forward with confidence.
PCI DSS Services
LBMC provides PCI compliance services that support readiness, validation, and long-term maintenance. Whether you need clarity around scope or full Report on Compliance (ROC) support, we tailor services to your environment and regulatory obligations.
PCI Audit + Report on Compliance (ROC)
Level 1 merchants and service providers are required to submit a QSA-led ROC, though acquirers may mandate a ROC regardless of company size.
Our team guides you from initial scoping and segmentation through fieldwork and issuance of the final Report on Compliance (ROC) and Attestation of Compliance (AOC). We also support an “audit once, report many” approach to align PCI with other compliance frameworks where possible.
PCI Gap Analysis
A PCI gap analysis evaluates your current compliance posture and identifies areas requiring remediation before an assessment.
We assess scope, interview key stakeholders, perform targeted testing procedures, and provide a prioritized remediation roadmap to prepare you for a PCI audit or self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ).
ASV Quarterly Scanning
PCI DSS Requirement 11.2.1 requires quarterly vulnerability scans conducted by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV).
Our managed ASV service includes unlimited scans for one year using an industry-leading scanning engine, scan scheduling and administration, secure access to reporting, and electronic filing with acquiring banks.
Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ-D) Support
For organizations completing SAQ-D, we conduct interviews and walkthroughs to validate your cardholder data environment (CDE) and ensure requirements are properly interpreted and documented.
Our support helps confirm accurate scoping and completion of the SAQ-D form.
PCI Flash Assessment
A focused assessment designed to quickly evaluate PCI scope and segmentation.
This engagement helps clarify your cardholder data environment and provides immediate guidance for next steps in your compliance strategy.
PCI Consulting (Virtual QSA)
Access senior-level PCI QSA expertise on demand for projects that impact compliance.
Whether reviewing architectural changes, advising on new payment flows, or interpreting PCI requirements, you receive practical guidance and pay only for the time you need.
Cybersecurity Sense Podcast: New Tools for PCI Compliance
In this podcast, LBMC’s Bill Dean and John Dorling discuss some of the tools available to help merchants who are trying to achieve PCI compliance.
PCI Security Testing and Validation
LBMC provides PCI compliance services that support readiness, validation, and long-term maintenance. Whether you need clarity around scope or full Report on Compliance (ROC) support, we tailor services to your environment and regulatory obligations.
PCI Audit + Report on Compliance (ROC)
Level 1 merchants and service providers are required to submit a QSA-led ROC, though acquirers may mandate a ROC regardless of company size.
Our team guides you from initial scoping and segmentation through fieldwork and issuance of the final Report on Compliance (ROC) and Attestation of Compliance (AOC). We also support an “audit once, report many” approach to align PCI with other compliance frameworks where possible.
PCI Gap Analysis
A PCI gap analysis evaluates your current compliance posture and identifies areas requiring remediation before an assessment.
We assess scope, interview key stakeholders, perform targeted testing procedures, and provide a prioritized remediation roadmap to prepare you for a PCI audit or self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ).
ASV Quarterly Scanning
PCI DSS Requirement 11.2.1 requires quarterly vulnerability scans conducted by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV).
Our managed ASV service includes unlimited scans for one year using an industry-leading scanning engine, scan scheduling and administration, secure access to reporting, and electronic filing with acquiring banks.
Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ-D) Support
For organizations completing SAQ-D, we conduct interviews and walkthroughs to validate your cardholder data environment (CDE) and ensure requirements are properly interpreted and documented.
Our support helps confirm accurate scoping and completion of the SAQ-D form.
PCI Flash Assessment
A focused assessment designed to quickly evaluate PCI scope and segmentation.
This engagement helps clarify your cardholder data environment and provides immediate guidance for next steps in your compliance strategy.
PCI Consulting (Virtual QSA)
Access senior-level PCI QSA expertise on demand for projects that impact compliance.
Whether reviewing architectural changes, advising on new payment flows, or interpreting PCI requirements, you receive practical guidance and pay only for the time you need.
Cybersecurity Sense Podcast: PCI Pen Testing
In this episode Bill Dean and Stewart Fey discuss penetration testing for PCI compliance. Learn about the differences between penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, and what is needed to meet requirements for PCI compliance.
PCI DSS FAQs
1. What is PCI DSS and who must comply?
PCI DSS is a set of security requirements for any business that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data.
2. What’s the difference between a ROC and an SAQ?
A ROC is a QSA-led assessment and report (often required for Level 1 and sometimes by acquirers). SAQs are self-assessments for eligible organizations.
3. How do you determine what’s in scope?
Scope is based on people, processes, and technologies that store, process, transmit, or can impact the security of cardholder data.
3. What testing is typically required for PCI?
Many environments require ASV scans, penetration testing, and (often) application testing based on how payment data is handled.
4. How can we reduce scope without creating risk?
Through validated segmentation, payment flow review, and confirming boundaries so only the right systems fall into the CDE.
5. Can LBMC help after we receive findings?
Yes. Gap analysis, remediation planning, retesting support, and advisory to prevent repeat issues.
Ready to simplify PCI compliance?
If you’re preparing for an assessment, questioning scope, or working through remediation, our team can help you clarify next steps and reduce rework.
Executive Team
