How to Achieve PCI Compliance in Australia (Step-by-Step)

  • By: Darren McCullagh
  • January 14, 2025
PCI Compliance Australia
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Credit card fraud remains a major global issue, with losses escalating in recent years. Despite companies implementing stronger security measures, fraud remains a serious issue in Australia. Cybercriminals and phishing attackers constantly devise new ways to steal sensitive information, forcing companies to dedicate substantial resources to staying ahead of these threats.

Achieving compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) is essential for Australian businesses. It helps maintain strong relationships with credit card brands and banks, avoids costly non-compliance penalties, and most importantly, safeguards clients’ sensitive payment information.

For Australian organisations, establishing a robust compliance program is a critical step in protecting financial data.

This article explains how to achieve PCI DSS compliance in Australia and highlights how board management software can assist organisations in securing their most valuable data.

What is PCI DSS Compliance?

PCI DSS compliance refers to a set of security standards designed to ensure all businesses handling credit and debit card information maintain a secure environment. These standards were established by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), which includes major credit card brands like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Compliance with PCI DSS is mandatory for any organisation that processes, stores, or transmits cardholder data, regardless of its size or the volume of transactions it handles. The standards outline specific technical and operational requirements to protect cardholder information, reduce the risk of data breaches, and ensure the secure handling of payment data.

A board of directors plays an essential role in PCI DSS compliance by setting policies, monitoring progress, and allocating resources to mitigate potential risks.

Free Tool

Navigate board software options wisely using our comprehensive vendor comparison tool.

Achieving PCI DSS Compliance in Australia

By ensuring PCI DSS compliance, every business can align with industry standards, protect brand reputation, and avoid costly fines, penalties, and possible legal actions. Credit card fraud happens frequently, and every company must do what it takes to protect not only their customers, but themselves as well. 

Follow these steps to build a PCI DSS compliance framework at your organisation.

1. Determine Your PCI Compliance Level

There are 4 PCI compliance levels, determined by the number of credit card transactions the organisation processes. 

  • Level 1: 6 million or more transactions, or a business that has experienced a breach. These businesses must undergo an annual internal audit.
  • Level 2: Between 1 million and 6 million transactions.
  • Level 3: Between 20,000 and 1 million internet transactions.
  • Level 4: Less than 20,000 internet transactions or less than 1 million physical card transactions.


2. Understand PCI DSS Requirements

There are 12 PCI DSS requirements all businesses must follow: 

  1. Install and maintain a firewall. This protects cardholder data by regulating network traffic through restrictive rules.
  2. Set strong passwords and secure configuration. The business must maintain an inventory of all devices and make sure they have secure passwords and security settings.
  3. Protect stored cardholder data by using strong encryption, one-way hashing, truncation, or tokenization.
  4. Encrypt cardholder data when transmitted across public networks.
  5. Always use and update anti-virus software.
  6. Develop secure systems and applications
  7. Cardholder data must be restricted and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
  8. Give every employee with computer access a unique ID.
  9. Restrict unauthorised personnel from access to cardholder data. This includes employees, contractors, vendors, and guests.
  10. Track all access to cardholder data by making sure networks have appropriate audit policies. PCI requires the daily review of logs to monitor for suspicious activity.
  11. Conduct comprehensive testing of security systems and processes, including evaluating wireless access points, scanning for internal and external vulnerabilities, performing penetration tests, and implementing file integrity monitoring.
  12. Have a security policy that details the responsibilities of every employee with access to cardholder information.


3. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Review the cardholder data environment (CDE) of the business by comparing it to the latest version of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). A Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) will check critical information and prepare a summary to identify any areas that need attention. The QSA will recommend ways to remedy any potential problems. 

4. Remediate Gaps

Utilise all recommendations by developing an action plan to bridge the gap and take corrective action to avoid a security breach.

5. Complete the Required Validation Process

Remain compliant by monitoring all systems, and submitting the self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ).

Understanding the Board's Role in PCI DSS Compliance

The board of directors plays a key role in maintaining PCI DSS compliance for businesses by providing strategic oversight and ensuring accountability. Directors set the tone at the top, prioritising data security as a key organisational goal and allocating the necessary resources to achieve compliance.

Board management software, such as OnBoard, helps directors streamline PCI DSS compliance by centralising communication, enhancing document security, and improving decision-making processes.

With OnBoard, directors can securely access and share sensitive documents, including compliance reports and policy updates, through an encrypted platform. This reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures critical information remains protected. 

OnBoard’s task management and reporting tools enable boards to monitor PCI DSS-related activities, ensuring timely completion of key requirements and audits. 

By providing a transparent, secure, and organised environment, the software helps boards fulfil their oversight responsibilities while maintaining a strong focus on compliance and data security.

Check out how OnBoard streamlines governance. Download our Board Meeting Agenda Template today.

Board Meeting

Ensure effective, efficient meetings with our comprehensive Board Meeting Agenda Template.

Ready to upgrade your board’s effectiveness with OnBoard’s board intelligence platform? Schedule a demo or request a free trial