The PCI SAQ (Payment Card Industry Self Assessment Questionnaire) is a validation tool that was created to help merchants and service providers self-evaluate their compliance with the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). This tool was created for merchants that are not required to undergo an on-site data security assessment.
Previously the Payment Card Industry had used a one size fits all PCI SAQ but have now adopted a more individualized approach to the SAQ to accommodate the different types of merchants and their varied acceptance channels and IT environments.
The first SAQ, version A, is the most simplified and shortest of the 4 versions. Using this form, merchants are able to reduce their PCI Compliance scope by some 90%. It was created for merchants that have outsourced all processing, transmission, and storage of cardholder data. Merchants who are using our PCI Compliance solutions, can qualify for the SAQ A.
As more and more stories of security breaches reach the public notice, complete security becomes more and more important. A security breach will have serious consequences that your business may or may not be able to recover from. These could include loss of reputation, loss of customers, damaged image, litigation, and many more financial liabilities.
The PCI SAQ is the validation tool that will help you avoid all these problems. Not only will it help you demonstrate your compliance with the PCI DSS, but the self-evaluation will help you find the areas of your system that still need some work.
Outsourcing your payment processing is a great way to take care of many of the PCI requirements and effectively institute quality security. Outsourcing to Braintree Payment Solutions also means that the PCI SAQ A is the questionnaire that applies to you, and it is a simple task to complete.
We offer a wide range of solutions that can be quickly and easily integrated into your existing business model. With Braintree you can depend on one contact at one company for all your payment processing needs.
If you’d like to learn more about completing the annual PCI SAQ, contact a Braintree representative and get started as soon as possible.
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