As a merchant using Stripe to process payments, you’re likely familiar with the importance of maintaining Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance. But did you know that you may need to complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) D or obtain an Attestation of Compliance (AoC) to demonstrate your compliance? In this article, we’ll break down the differences between SAQ D and AoC, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to complete each.
What is SAQ D?
The Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) D is a validation tool used by merchants to assess their PCI DSS compliance. It’s a comprehensive questionnaire that covers all aspects of PCI DSS requirements, including network security, password management, and cardholder data storage. SAQ D is designed for merchants who have outsourced their payment processing to a third-party service provider, such as Stripe.
Who needs to complete SAQ D?
Merchants who meet the following criteria may need to complete SAQ D:
- Use a third-party service provider, such as Stripe, to process payments
- Store, process, or transmit cardholder data
- Have a complex payment processing environment
- Are required to comply with PCI DSS by their acquirer or payment brand
What is AoC?
An Attestation of Compliance (AoC) is a document that confirms a merchant’s PCI DSS compliance. It’s typically completed by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) who has conducted a PCI DSS assessment on behalf of the merchant. The AoC is a formal declaration that the merchant has implemented the necessary controls and procedures to meet PCI DSS requirements.
Who needs to obtain an AoC?
Merchants who meet the following criteria may need to obtain an AoC:
- Process a large volume of transactions (typically over 6 million per year)
- Have a high-risk payment processing environment (e.g., handling sensitive data or storing cardholder information)
- Are required to comply with PCI DSS by their acquirer or payment brand
How to complete SAQ D
Completing SAQ D requires a thorough understanding of your payment processing environment and a detailed assessment of your PCI DSS compliance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete SAQ D:
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Review the PCI DSS requirements: Familiarize yourself with the PCI DSS standard and its requirements. You can find the latest version of the standard on the PCI Security Standards Council website. -
Identify your payment processing environment: Document your payment processing environment, including the systems, networks, and procedures used to store, process, and transmit cardholder data. -
Answer the SAQ D questions: Complete the SAQ D questionnaire, answering each question based on your payment processing environment and PCI DSS compliance. You can find the SAQ D form on the PCI Security Standards Council website. -
Provide evidence and documentation: Gather evidence and documentation to support your answers, such as network diagrams, policies, and procedures. -
Submit your SAQ D: Submit your completed SAQ D to your acquirer or payment brand, along with any required evidence and documentation.
How to obtain an AoC
Obtaining an AoC requires a more comprehensive assessment of your PCI DSS compliance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you obtain an AoC:
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Hire a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA): Engage a QSA to conduct a PCI DSS assessment on your behalf. The QSA will evaluate your payment processing environment and identify any areas of non-compliance. -
Conduct a PCI DSS assessment: The QSA will conduct a thorough assessment of your payment processing environment, including a review of your policies, procedures, and systems. -
Identify and remediate gaps: The QSA will identify any gaps or areas of non-compliance and provide recommendations for remediation. You’ll need to implement the necessary controls and procedures to address these gaps. -
Compile the AoC: The QSA will compile the AoC, which includes a summary of the assessment findings, a description of the controls and procedures implemented, and a statement of compliance. -
Submit your AoC: Submit the AoC to your acquirer or payment brand, along with any required evidence and documentation.
SAQ D vs AoC: Key differences
Here’s a summary of the key differences between SAQ D and AoC:
| Characteristic | SAQ D | AoC |
|---|---|---|
| Type of validation | Self-assessment | Third-party assessment |
| Level of complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Required for | Merchants with outsourced payment processing | Merchants with high-risk payment processing environments |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Timeline | Faster | Longer |
Conclusion
SAQ D and AoC are two different validation methods used to demonstrate PCI DSS compliance. While SAQ D is a self-assessment tool, AoC is a more comprehensive assessment conducted by a QSA. Depending on your payment processing environment and requirements, you may need to complete SAQ D or obtain an AoC. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure you’re meeting your PCI DSS obligations and protecting your customers’ sensitive data.
Remember, PCI DSS compliance is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and maintenance. Stay up-to-date with the latest PCI DSS requirements and best practices to ensure your payment processing environment remains secure.
Still unsure about which validation method is right for you? Consult with a Qualified Security Assessor or a PCI DSS expert to help you navigate the process and ensure you’re meeting your compliance obligations.
Frequently Asked Question
Confused about Stripe’s SAQ D or Attestation of Compliance (AoC)? We’ve got you covered!
What is Stripe’s SAQ D, and who needs to complete it?
Stripe’s SAQ D is a self-assessment questionnaire designed for merchants who require a high level of security compliance, such as e-commerce businesses handling sensitive payment information. If you’re a merchant using Stripe’s Payment Intent API or handling card data, you’ll likely need to complete SAQ D to ensure your business meets the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements.
What is the difference between SAQ D and Attestation of Compliance (AoC)?
SAQ D is a self-assessment questionnaire that helps merchants identify and address potential security risks, while an Attestation of Compliance (AoC) is a formal document that confirms a merchant has complied with the PCI DSS requirements. Think of SAQ D as a “security checklist” and AoC as the “security certification” that proves you’ve met the necessary standards.
How do I complete Stripe’s SAQ D?
To complete SAQ D, you’ll need to review and answer a series of questions about your business’s security practices, such as data storage, access controls, and network security. Stripe provides a guided questionnaire that walks you through the process, and you can also consult with a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or an Internal Security Assessor (ISA) for additional support.
How often do I need to complete SAQ D, and what happens if I don’t comply?
You’ll need to complete SAQ D annually to ensure ongoing compliance with PCI DSS requirements. If you fail to comply, you may face penalties, fines, or even termination of your Stripe account. Additionally, non-compliance can put your customers’ sensitive payment information at risk, damaging your business reputation and relationships.
What are the benefits of completing SAQ D and obtaining an AoC?
By completing SAQ D and obtaining an AoC, you’ll not only ensure compliance with PCI DSS requirements but also demonstrate your commitment to protecting your customers’ sensitive payment information. This can help build trust with your customers, reduce the risk of data breaches, and even lower your transaction fees with Stripe.
