PCI DSS For MSPs And
MSSPs — And Their Clients
Deliver scalable, PCI DSS–aligned cybersecurity services with Cynomi’s AI-powered vCISO platform. Simplify compliance, reduce manual effort, and help clients protect payment data with structured, audit-ready controls.
What is PCI DSS and Why
Does It Matter for MSPs and MSSPs?
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a global security standard designed to protect cardholder data during processing, transmission, and storage. It is maintained by the PCI Security Standards Council and applies to any organization that handles payment card information.
For MSPs and MSSPs, PCI DSS presents a consistent opportunity to deliver compliance-focused security services. Clients across retail, hospitality, healthcare, and fintech need help maintaining secure environments and demonstrating compliance to acquiring banks and card brands. Providers aligned with PCI DSS can standardize service delivery, improve audit readiness, and become essential partners for transaction security.
What Organizations Does
PCI DSS Apply To?
PCI DSS applies to any organization—regardless of size or sector—that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. This includes:
E-commerce Retailers
Hospitality and Point-of-Sale Providers
Healthcare and Insurance Organizations
Payment Gateways and Fintech Vendors
Franchise Operators
MSPs and MSSPs
PCI DSS Core Components
PCI DSS is organized into 12 high-level requirements grouped into six control objectives. MSPs and MSSPs play a key role in implementing and maintaining these controls:
Build and Maintain Secure Networks and Systems
Install and maintain firewalls; configure systems securely.
Protect Cardholder Data
Encrypt transmission and storage of sensitive cardholder information.
Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
Use anti-malware and regularly patch systems.
Implement Strong Access Control Measures
Limit access to cardholder data by business need-to-know and authenticate securely.
Monitor and Test Networks
Track and monitor all access; regularly test security systems and processes.
Maintain an Information Security Policy
Establish and maintain a policy that addresses security throughout the organization.
Why MSPs and MSSPs
Should Align With PCI DSS
By aligning with PCI DSS, service providers can consistently deliver high-value security and compliance services to clients handling payment data.
Deliver control-based services aligned with the globally recognized PCI DSS framework and industry expectations
Help clients minimize risk of data breaches, fraud, and non-compliance penalties
Simplify recurring audits and reporting with centralized, ready-to-use documentation
How MSPs and MSSPs Can Comply with
PCI DSS and Help Clients Do the Same
Cynomi guides you step by step through managing cybersecurity and compliance.
Assess & Identify
Launch High-Impact Security Assessments
- Conduct automated and interactive PCI DSS – based assessments
- Instantly generate an AI-powered cyber profile and gap analysis aligned to PCI DSS
Establish and Plan
Translate Insights Into Strategic Action
- Auto-generate risk registers, remediation plans, and policies mapped to PCI DSS
- Align every task to PCI DSS
- Adapt automatically to framework and control changes
Optimize and Track Progress
Measure, Refine, and Strengthen Over Time
- Track real-time progress across all PCI DSS functions in one dashboard
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and reporting
Framework FAQs
PCI DSS v4.0 is the latest version, released in March 2022. Organizations must transition from v3.2.1 to v4.0 by March 31, 2025.
Any organization that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data must comply, including merchants, service providers, and third-party processors.
Version 4.0 introduces more flexibility in implementation, stricter authentication requirements, and expanded guidance on risk-based security. It also includes several new requirements that become mandatory in 2025.
Cynomi automates PCI DSS–aligned risk assessments, generates policies, tracks control implementation, and supports audit readiness—all mapped to v4.0 requirements.
Yes. Cynomi enables MSPs to guide clients through SAQ readiness and prepare supporting evidence and documentation for Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) reviews.