What is PCI DSS and who must comply?

PCI DSS is a global security standard developed to protect payment card data. It applies to any organization that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data — including merchants, processors, financial institutions, and service providers.

Which PCI DSS requirements are most relevant for vulnerability management?

Requirements 6 and 11 are directly related. Requirement 6 covers secure system development and vulnerability management processes. Requirement 11 focuses on scanning and penetration testing.

What tools are required for PCI DSS vulnerability compliance?

Organizations typically need vulnerability scanners, secure coding tools, patch management systems, and penetration testing services — all ideally integrated into a centralized risk platform like Brinqa.

How often are vulnerability scans required under PCI DSS?

Internal and external vulnerability scans must be conducted at least once every three months. To remain compliant, organizations must demonstrate four passing scans annually. External scans must be performed by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), and additional scans are required after significant changes.

What counts as a “significant change” that triggers new scans or testing under PCI DSS?

Significant changes can include network topology modifications, system upgrades, application deployments, or any configuration changes that may impact security. These changes typically require immediate vulnerability scans and possibly additional penetration testing.

How should organizations document vulnerability remediation for PCI audits?

Organizations should maintain clear records of vulnerability scan results, ticketing workflows, remediation timelines, patch deployments, and change approvals. A centralized platform like Brinqa can automate evidence collection and generate audit-ready reports.

What are the biggest challenges for vulnerability management teams under PCI DSS?

Common pain points include tool sprawl, lack of centralized visibility, manual prioritization efforts, and difficulty proving compliance. Exposure management platforms help address these challenges through automation, integration, and contextual scoring.