What costs businesses can expect when addressing PCI DSS compliance.
The costs associated with setting up and maintaining a PCI DSS compliance program can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of the organization, its specific payment processing environment, the complexity of its IT infrastructure, and the level of internal expertise available. Here is a rough breakdown of the average costs that a business may incur:
Typical Setup Costs:
Gap analysis: Conducting a gap analysis to determine the organization's current compliance status and identify areas that need improvement may cost between $5,000 and $50,000, depending on the size and complexity of the business.
Remediation: Addressing gaps in compliance, such as implementing additional security controls, upgrading systems, and enhancing processes, can range from $10,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on the extent of the changes required.
External vulnerability scans and penetration testing: Hiring an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) and a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to perform external vulnerability scans and penetration tests may cost between $2,000 and $25,000 or more, depending on the number of systems being tested and the complexity of the environment.
Employee training: Initial security awareness training for employees can range from a few hundred dollars for online training modules to several thousand dollars for in-person training sessions, depending on the number of employees and the training format.
Typical Ongoing Costs:
Annual assessment: Depending on the organization's size and complexity, the cost of an annual PCI DSS assessment conducted by a QSA or an internal assessor can range from $10,000 to $75,000 or more.
Continuous monitoring and management: Costs for maintaining and monitoring security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and log management solutions, can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per year, depending on the size of the organization and the complexity of its IT infrastructure.
Software and tools: Ongoing costs for vulnerability scanning, security information and event management (SIEM), and other security tools can range from a few thousand dollars to over $50,000 per year, depending on the organization's needs and the specific tools being used.
Employee training: Ongoing security awareness training and refresher courses for employees can cost between $500 and $10,000 per year, depending on the training format and the number of employees.
It's important to note that these costs are rough estimates and can vary widely based on individual circumstances. Organizations should carefully assess their specific requirements and consult with qualified professionals to develop a more accurate cost estimate for their PCI DSS compliance program.
For additional PCI related information check out these other blog posts!
The Ultimate Guide to Conquering PCI Compliance: 9 Steps to Safeguard Your Customers' Payment Data
Navigating the PCI DSS Compliance Maze: A Fun Guide to Protecting Your Customers' Payment Data
Common Reoccurring Tasks and Intervals to Maintain PCI Compliance
What is an SAQ and Which SAQ Should Businesses Use for PCI Compliance
How Businesses Can Reduce Efforts Needed to Maintain PCI Compliance
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