Don't Fail Your Audit. Master PCI DSS v4.0.
Reduce scope, identify missing controls, and build a roadmap to compliance with a PCI Gap Assessment.
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is changing, with the shift to version 4.0 introducing over 60 new requirements. Whether you are a merchant facing your first Level 1 Report on Compliance (ROC) or a service provider trying to navigate the new standard, our PCI Gap Assessment provides the clarity you need. We validate your scope, test your controls, and give you the blueprint to secure cardholder data and avoid costly non-compliance fees.
Schedule Your PCI Gap!
What is a PCI Gap Assessment?
Validate your scope, benchmark your v4.0 compliance, and get a precise remediation plan before the official audit begins.
A PCI Gap Assessment is a comprehensive review of your organization’s card processing environment compared to the requirements of the PCI DSS.
Think of it as a “Mock Audit” performed before the Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) arrives for the real thing. We analyze your Cardholder Data Environment (CDE)—the people, processes, and technology that touch credit card data—to answer three questions:
- Is your Scope correct? (Are you auditing too many systems?)
- Are you Compliant? (Do you meet the 12 requirements and v4.0 updates?)
- What is the Roadmap? (What specific hardware, software, or policies do you need to buy or build to pass?)
What Requires a PCI Gap Assessment?
Organizations usually trigger a PCI Gap Assessment during moments of growth or regulatory change:
Level 1 Merchant Status
You have processed over 6 million transactions, and your Acquiring Bank now needs a Report on Compliance (ROC)Â instead of a self-assessment.
New Payment Flows
You have launched a new e-commerce platform or point-of-sale system and need to test your security controls to verify it is secure.
M&A Due Diligence
You are acquiring or merging with a company and need to know if their payment card security program is a liability or an asset.
Audit Preparation
You failed your last audit or struggled to pass, and you want to ensure a smooth process this year to avoid unnecessary costs, fines, or fees.
Types of PCI Gap Assessments We Perform
We tailor the assessment to your transaction volume and industry.
| Assessment Type | Description |
| Level 1 ROC Readiness Assessment | Prep for an onsite audit by a QSA. This is a deep-dive technical review to ensure you will pass the Report on Compliance (ROC). |
| SAQ (Self-Assessment) Review | We help determine which SAQ (A, A-EP, D, etc.) is right for you and verify answers so you don’t accidentally commit perjury on the attestation. |
| PCI DSS and HIPAA Gap Assessment | This assess once, comply twice approach saves time by mapping overlapping controls simultaneously. |
What Our PCI Gap Service Includes
The most valuable part of our service is Scope Reduction.
Your Deliverables to PCI Compliance
We provide the documentation you need to budget for and execute your compliance program.
Detailed Gap Matrix
A line-by-line review of the PCI DSS requirements, marked as “Compliant,” “In Place,” “Not in Place,” or “N/A.”
Remediation Roadmap
A prioritized project plan. We distinguish between “Quick Wins” and “Capital Expenditures” so you can plan your budget.
Scope Definition Report
A formal document defining your CDE boundaries—critical for defending your scope to the QSA.
Executive Summary
A high-level scorecard of your risk and readiness for Executives, C-Suite, and Board Members.
Why Choose Us for Your PCI Assessment?
The smartest way to pass is to audit less—we leverage expert segmentation to drastically shrink your scope while our assessors guide you through v4.0.
Scope Reduction Experts
The cheapest way to pass a PCI audit is to reduce the systems in-audit. We utilize network segments and tokenization strategies that shrink your CDE.
Vendor Agnostic
We won’t try to sell you a specific firewall or tokenization provider. We advise on what works best for your technology stack.
v4.0 Ready
We aren’t stuck in the past. We use the latest reporting templates and understand the customized approach allowed in version 4.0.
Our Certifications
Our team holds industry-recognized certifications that reflect hands-on expertise across offensive security, cloud, incident response, and compliance.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
GIAC Cloud Penetration Tester (GCPN)
GIAC Cloud Penetration Tester (GCPN)
CompTIA Security+, Network+, A+, Pentest+
GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP)
Microsoft AZ-900, SC-900
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Burp Suite Certified Practitioner (Apprentice)
eLearnSecurity Junior (eJPT)
Web App Penetration Tester (eWPT)
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Palo Alto PSE Certifications
PCI Gap Assessment: FAQs
Learn more information about the most frequently asked questions
PCI Gap Assessment vs. QSA Audit?
A Gap Assessment is a consulting engagement to find and fix problems privately. A QSA Audit is the final exam where the results are reported to your bank. You should always do a Gap Assessment before your first QSA Audit to ensure you don’t fail publicly.
Can you help us with the transition to PCI DSS v4.0?
Yes. This is currently our most requested service. Version 4.0 introduces requirements that are significantly harder to implement (like continuous risk assessment and stricter MFA). We perform specific “v4.0 Delta Assessments” to highlight only what is changing for you.
Does this include a Penetration Test?
No. A Gap Assessment reviews your controls and policies. However, PCI DSS Requirement 11.3 mandates penetration testing. We can bundle our PCI Gap Assessment with a Penetration Test to solve both requirements in one engagement.
We use a third-party payment processor. Do we still need this?
Yes. Even if you outsource processing, if you have a website that redirects to them (SAQ A) or uses an iFrame (SAQ A-EP), you still have PCI obligations. We help you verify that you qualify for the simplified SAQ, which is critical for reducing liability.
Can you do a combined PCI and HIPAA assessment?
Yes. For healthcare clients, we can perform a PCI DSS and HIPAA Gap analysis. Since both standards require encryption, access control, and logging, we can test these controls once and map the results to both frameworks, saving you significant time and audit fees.
How long does a Gap Assessment take?
For a typical Level 2-3 merchant, it takes 2 weeks. For a complex Level 1 Service Provider, it can take 3-4 weeks due to the complexity of the data flows.