PCI DSS FAQ Chronicles: Understanding ROC, AOC, and the Myth of Certification.

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance is crucial for safeguarding cardholder data. However, grasping the intricacies of PCI DSS terminology, such as ROC (Report on Compliance), AOC (Attestation of Compliance), and the misconception of PCI 'certification', can be daunting.

In this article, we aim to demystify these concepts, elucidate their purposes, and debunk common myths surrounding PCI compliance.

In my previous article, "https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/pci-dss-faq-chronicles-your-guide-faqs-glossaries-more-kamran-nagiyev-xamwe/?trackingId=5vF3uKi0TViRJ7FKsf%2FvmQ%3D%3D " I emphasized the significance of PCI SSC FAQs and their role in clarifying misconceptions surrounding PCI DSS compliance. In continuing this series, I've selected key FAQs to provide pertinent information.

In this article, we've drawn insights from FAQs 1220, 1556, 1354, and 1375 to shed light on crucial aspects of ROCs, AOCs, and the certification myth in PCI compliance. Links for these FAQs are provided below in this Article.

Understanding ROC and AOC:

ROC (Report on Compliance):

• Purpose: A ROC comprehensively details an organization's adherence to PCI DSS requirements, typically prepared by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) after a thorough assessment.
• Where to Use: ROCs serve as official evidence during audits, assessments, and discussions with regulatory bodies. They cannot be shared with customers or third-party service providers (TPSPs).

AOC (Attestation of Compliance):

• Purpose: An AOC is a summary document accompanying the ROC, signed by the organization's management, affirming PCI DSS compliance.
• Where to Use: AOCs are shared with stakeholders like payment processors, banks, and TPSPs, providing evidence of compliance. TPSPs may request AOCs to demonstrate their compliance posture to customers.

Certificates Recognition:

• Myth: Some organizations issue certificates as evidence of PCI DSS compliance. However, only official PCI SSC documents are recognized for validation.
• Fact: ROCs, AOCs, and other forms from the PCI SSC website are authorized for evidence of compliance. The use of unauthorized certificates is unacceptable.

TPSP Compliance Evidence:

• TPSP's Role: If a TPSP undergoes PCI DSS assessment, it should provide evidence to customers about the scope and relevant requirements covered.
• AOC Importance: TPSPs are expected to share applicable AOCs with customers upon request, demonstrating compliance with relevant PCI DSS requirements.

Redaction of AOC:

• Sensitivity Concerns: Entities may redact sensitive information from AOCs while ensuring they contain all relevant compliance details.
• Information Inclusion: Sections like contact details, scope verification, assessment summary, and validation details should not be redacted.

AOC Timing:

• Finalization Requirement: AOCs cannot be provided before the ROC is finalized. The AOC must declare the assessment results, reflecting finalized compliance with PCI DSS.

Links to PCI SSC FAQs

https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/faq/articles/Frequently_Asked_Question/are-compliance-certificates-recognized-for-pci-dss-validation/

https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/faq/articles/Frequently_Asked_Question/what-evidence-is-a-tpsp-expected-to-provide-to-customers-to-demonstrate-pci-dss-compliance/

https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/faq/articles/Frequently_Asked_Question/can-sensitive-information-be-redacted-from-the-pci-dss-attestation-of-compliance-before-it-is-shared-with-other-entities/

https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/faq/articles/Frequently_Asked_Question/can-an-attestation-of-compliance-aoc-be-provided-to-an-assessed-entity-before-the-report-on-compliance-roc-is-finalized/

Clarifying terms like ROC, AOC, and certification is vital in navigating PCI DSS compliance. While ROCs and AOCs serve as crucial evidence of compliance, misconceptions persist regarding certification. Understanding the role of official PCI SSC documents, the importance of sharing compliance evidence, and the timing of AOC issuance is essential. By dispelling myths and adhering to PCI DSS standards, organizations can bolster security and maintain trust in cardholder data handling practices.