With a growing number of businesses moving online, the need to protect sensitive data has never been greater. One standard that benchmarks data security is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). It’s a set of security requirements that all businesses accepting card payments must follow. PCI DSS compliance ensures that companies follow specific security controls to safeguard payment card data's confidentiality, integrity and availability.
However, achieving and maintaining PCI DSS compliance can be a daunting task, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. Companies need to monitor and protect their data around the clock, which requires a significant investment in time, resources, and expertise. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service providers can help businesses with PCI DSS compliance efforts by providing several security-managed services. In this blog post, we’ll explore how an MDR service can facilitate PCI DSS compliance.
What is a Managed Detection and Response Service?
An MDR service is an outsourced solution that combines advanced threat detection and incident response to provide customers with 24/7 security monitoring and protection. An MDR service provider could offer managed Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Security Operations Center (SOC) services. A SOC is a team of security experts who monitor and investigate security alerts generated by customers’ systems. SOC analysts use advanced threat intelligence, machine learning, behavioral analytics, and their wealth of experience to detect and respond to security threats promptly.
How can an MDR service facilitate PCI DSS compliance?
PCI DSS compliance requires implementing specific security controls to protect payment card data. An MDR service provider can help entities achieve and maintain PCI DSS compliance by providing the following services:
- Continuous Security Monitoring: PCI DSS compliance requires entities to monitor their systems and networks continuously. MDR service providers offer 24/7 security monitoring services that detect and respond to security threats in real-time. The managed SIEM service collects and analyzes log data from various sources, including payment systems, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. The EDR service monitors endpoints for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access attempts, malware infections, and data exfiltration. The SOC service investigates security alerts and responds to security incidents.
- Log Management: PCI DSS requires businesses to maintain audit logs of all system components. An MDR service provider can help customers comply with this requirement by providing managed SIEM services that collect and store log data from various sources. The MDR service provider can also help customers set up log retention policies to ensure compliance with PCI DSS requirements.
- Incident Response: PCI DSS requires entities to have an incident response plan in place to respond to security incidents quickly. An MDR service provider can help customers develop an incident response plan and provide incident response services. The SOC service investigates security incidents and works with customers to contain and remediate them. The MDR service can also analyze the root cause and scope of a security incident. Incorporating lessons learned into the incident response plan after an incident occurs, as required by the standard, will be easier thanks to the information collected by the provider.
- Threat Detection and Prevention: PCI DSS requires entities to implement specific security controls to identify and prevent security threats. An MDR service provider can help customers implement these controls by providing advanced threat detection and prevention services. The EDR service detects and responds to potential threats in real-time by collecting and analyzing endpoint data. The EDR service uses advanced behavioral analytics and machine learning to identify anomalies that could indicate a potential security threat. The EDR system can detect a range of threats, including malware infections, unauthorized access attempts, and data exfiltration. SOC analysts can use the technical information to investigate the alert and determine if further action is required.
- Vulnerability Management: PCI DSS requires businesses to implement a vulnerability management program to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities. An MDR service provider can help implement a vulnerability management program by conducting regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing. The MDR service provider can also provide remediation guidance to enable the business to address identified vulnerabilities. Besides, a SOC can provide threat intelligence services that help companies stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and vulnerabilities. This information is critical for businesses to maintain their security posture and meet PCI DSS requirements.
To conclude, meeting and maintaining compliance with PCI DSS standards can be a challenge for companies. MDR service providers can help by offering continuous security monitoring, incident response, threat detection and prevention, vulnerability management, log management, and reporting services. By partnering with an MDR service provider, companies can concentrate on their core operations while leaving security and compliance management to the experts.
At Advantio, we decided to enhance our MDR service offering by implementing a managed SIEM service that provides a number of value-added features:
- Seamless integration with existing infrastructure, powered by a Gartner-recognized managed SIEM service
- Improved ability to detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents
- Leveraging Security Operation Center (SOC) expertise to maximize solution capabilities
- Efficient identification and prioritization of high-priority threat alerts
- Inclusion of relevant signals and alert information for each event streamlined and logical investigations