Wiseman CyberSec PCI DSS v4.0 Compliance Training Course
Master Payment Security with Comprehensive PCI DSS 4.0 Audit & Implementation Training.
Become a PCI DSS compliance expert with our live, instructor-led course focused on real-world audit preparation and practical implementation guidance.
Course Overview & Objectives
The Wiseman CyberSec PCI DSS v4.0 Training Program is a professional course designed to demystify the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and equip you with the skills to achieve and maintain compliance. PCI DSS is a globally adopted framework for securing payment card data across organizations. This training focuses on PCI DSS version 4.0 – the latest standard (mandatory from 2024 onwards) – ensuring you learn up-to-date requirements and best practices. Through a mix of lectures, discussions, and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain both conceptual knowledge of PCI DSS and practical know-how to implement controls and prepare for compliance audits.
Course Objectives: By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Understand the 12 core PCI DSS v4.0 requirements and the six security objectives they address, including all updates introduced in version 4.0.
Explain the goals and scope of PCI DSS, and how it protects cardholder data throughout the payment lifecycle.
Implement and manage the technical and administrative controls required for PCI DSS compliance in a real-world business environment.
Prepare for PCI DSS audits by knowing how to gather evidence, document compliance, and remediate gaps before a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) review.
Interpret and apply PCI DSS guidance to secure systems, networks, and processes – from firewall configuration and data encryption to access control and monitoring.
Stay current with PCI DSS v4.0’s new features (such as customized implementation options and future-dated requirements) and incorporate them into your organization’s security program.
Key Training Features
Our PCI DSS training program is packed with features to maximize learning effectiveness and engagement. When you enroll with Wiseman CyberSec, you get:
Live Instructor-Led Sessions
Comprehensive 20–24 Hours Training
Expert Curriculum & Mentorship
Scenario-Based Learning
Hands-On Implementation Guidance
Quizzes and Knowledge Checks
Mock Exam & Practice Questions
Certification of Completion
Post-Training Support
With these training features, Wiseman CyberSec ensures you gain both the knowledge and the practical experience needed to succeed in PCI DSS compliance initiatives. The combination of live mentorship, hands-on practice, and exam-focused review sets you up for success in both audits and any related certification exams.
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What You Will Learn (Key Outcomes)
This course offers more than just theory – it provides actionable skills and outcomes that you can apply immediately in your role. By completing the PCI DSS v4.0 Training Program, you will gain:
Confidence to face PCI DSS compliance audits. You’ll learn the end-to-end audit process, how to perform gap assessments, and how to ensure your organization is prepared for a QSA assessment or Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).
A practical understanding of how to implement each PCI DSS control. From configuring secure networks and encryption to establishing monitoring and incident response, you’ll know the “how-to” of PCI DSS in real operational settings.
Mastery of all PCI DSS v4.0 requirements – their intent, key controls, and maintenance. You’ll be able to articulate why each requirement exists and how it mitigates risks to cardholder data.
The ability to identify compliance gaps and design solutions. Through scenario-based exercises, you will practice resolving common PCI compliance challenges (e.g. improperly stored data, weak access controls) in line with industry best practices.
A strong foundation for those pursuing formal PCI credentials or roles. Whether you aim to become a PCI Professional (PCIP), work toward QSA certification, or simply enhance your GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance) skillset, this course will provide the knowledge needed to advance.
Learn how to treat PCI DSS not as a one-time project but as a continuous process. You’ll gain insight into maintaining compliance year-round – including periodic reviews, staff training, and adapting to new threats – to foster a culture of security in your organization.
Why Choose Wiseman CyberSec
Wiseman CyberSec is a leader in cybersecurity education with a strong focus on compliance training. Here’s why professionals choose our PCI DSS course:
Expertise and Experience
Over a decade of training experience and a track record of preparing professionals for complex compliance challenges.
Practical, Hands-On Approach
We incorporate live demos, labs, and real case studies so you can apply knowledge immediately, not just theory.
Tailored for Your Industry
Curriculum customized for fintech, banking, and e-commerce ensures you learn the aspects of PCI compliance most relevant to your role.
Comprehensive Resources
Access to custom templates and tools – including gap analysis checklists, policy templates, and compliance report examples – that you can use on the job.
Continued Support
Post-course support and updates keep you current on evolving standards and best practices in payment security.
Who Should Attend
The PCI DSS v4.0 Training Program is ideal for a wide range of professionals who deal with payment security or compliance. If you are responsible for protecting cardholder data or ensuring your organization meets regulatory standards, this course is for you. Who will benefit from this training:
Security professionals aiming to become Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) or consultants who will audit or advise on PCI compliance. This course provides the foundational knowledge needed before pursuing official QSA qualifications.
Individuals who manage or oversee PCI DSS compliance programs within merchants, payment processors, banks, or service providers. Learn how to effectively design, implement, and manage controls to maintain compliance.
Risk managers, compliance analysts, and internal auditors who want a deep understanding of PCI DSS to incorporate into broader risk management and audit practices. The course helps translate PCI requirements into actionable compliance checklists and audit procedures.
IT security engineers, network administrators, system administrators, and SOC analysts working in environments that store, process, or transmit cardholder data. Gain insight into the specific security measures (firewalls, encryption, access controls, monitoring, etc.) required to secure the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE).
Developers, architects, and IT leaders at e-commerce companies, fintech startups, or any organizations that handle payments. Understanding PCI DSS is crucial for building secure payment applications and infrastructure. This training will help you embed compliance from the ground up in new projects.
Professionals who conduct internal audits or assessments of controls and need to evaluate PCI DSS compliance. This course will enable auditors to know exactly what to look for in a PCI audit and how to speak the language of both technical staff and compliance officers.
Anyone with a background in IT or cybersecurity who wants to expand their expertise into the compliance and regulatory side of security. PCI DSS knowledge is a valuable addition to your skillset, opening up roles in compliance management, consulting, and more.
If you handle credit card data security or compliance in any capacity, this course will empower you with the knowledge and credentials to excel in that role. Whether you’re new to PCI or looking to update your skills to v4.0, our training adapts to your level and provides ample support throughout the learning journey.
Prerequisites
To get the most out of this course, participants should have:
A basic understanding of information security principles and network infrastructure.
Familiarity with concepts like encryption, firewalls, and access control.
Prior experience in IT, cybersecurity, or related roles (at a mid-level or higher).
Willingness to engage in hands-on exercises and case studies.
No prior PCI DSS experience is required, but familiarity with security frameworks or compliance standards is beneficial.
Course Curriculum: PCI DSS v4.0 Detailed Outline
Our curriculum is carefully structured to cover all PCI DSS v4.0 domains and requirements in depth, with practical examples for each. The program is organized into modules that align with the 12 PCI DSS requirements (grouped under six broader objectives) for systematic learning. Each module combines conceptual learning with implementation guidance and real-world case studies:
Introduction to PCI DSS v4.0
Overview of the PCI Security Standards Council and the PCI DSS framework. Understand the evolution from v3.2.1 to v4.0, key terminology (CHD, SAD, CDE), compliance levels, and the business case for PCI compliance. We discuss the six overarching control objectives and how the 12 requirements map to them.
Requirement 1: Install and Maintain Network Security Controls
Learn to build and secure the network infrastructure of the cardholder data environment. Topics include firewall configuration, network segmentation, secure router/switch settings, and new v4.0 guidance on modern network security controls (beyond traditional firewalls). Hands-on: interpreting firewall configuration standards and analyzing network diagrams for PCI scope.
Requirement 2: Apply Secure Configurations to All System Components
Understand system hardening and why eliminating vendor defaults is critical. We cover secure configuration benchmarks (for servers, endpoints, POS devices), removal of default passwords/accounts , change control processes, and configuration management tools. Hands-on: reviewing a sample system baseline configuration against PCI requirements.
Requirement 3: Protect Stored Account Data
Explore techniques for protecting cardholder data at rest. This module covers data discovery (finding PAN storage), strong encryption of stored data (AES, key management), hashing, tokenization, truncation, and data retention policies. You’ll learn how to design storage solutions that minimize sensitive data and properly mask/secure any stored PAN.
Requirement 4: Protect Cardholder Data with Strong Cryptography during Transmission
Learn how to secure data in transit across open or public networks. We discuss use of TLS/SSL, VPNs, SSH, and other encryption mechanisms to safeguard CHD during transmission. You’ll also cover browser and application configurations to avoid weak protocols, and why clear-text transmission of PAN (e.g. via email or messaging) is forbidden. Lab exercise: examining SSL/TLS configurations for PCI compliance.
Requirement 5: Protect All Systems and Networks from Malicious Software
This module focuses on malware threats and defenses. Understand PCI’s expectations for anti-virus/anti-malware deployment on all applicable systems, including regular signature updates, scans, and tamper-proofing anti-malware software. We also cover advanced endpoint protection (EDR), malware incident examples, and how to document compliance for requirement 5.
Requirement 6: Develop and Maintain Secure Systems and Applications
Cover the processes that keep your systems and software secure. Topics include vulnerability management, patch management (applying vendor patches within required timeframes), secure software development life cycle (SDLC) practices, and change management. We discuss how to perform risk assessments for new vulnerabilities and ensure critical patches are applied expediently. Case study: responding to a zero-day vulnerability in a cardholder data environment.
Requirement 7: Restrict Access to System Components and Cardholder Data by Need-to-Know
Learn to enforce the principle of least privilege in a PCI context. We cover establishing role-based access controls, defining user roles and permissions, and documenting an access control policy. You’ll see how to limit administrative access and implement need-to-know restrictions. We also address periodic access reviews and how to handle third-party access.
Requirement 8: Identify Users and Authenticate Access to System Components
This module delves into identity and access management. Key topics: ensuring unique user IDs for all users (no shared accounts), strong authentication methods, multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing the Cardholder Data Environment , and secure credential management (password policies, auth token security). Hands-on practice: analyzing an authentication policy and implementing multi-factor authentication for PCI compliance.
Requirement 9: Restrict Physical Access to Cardholder Data
Discover how to secure physical access to systems and media that contain card data. We discuss controls like badge access systems, door locks, video surveillance, visitor logs, and media handling/destruction procedures. You will learn to develop facility security plans and how to enforce strict physical security measures (e.g., data center security, secure storage of backups) in compliance with PCI DSS.
Requirement 10: Log and Monitor All Access to System Components and Cardholder Data
Understand the logging, monitoring, and audit trail requirements of PCI DSS. We cover implementing centralized logging (SIEM solutions) to record user activities, log retention policies (e.g., one-year retention with 3 months immediately available), daily log review procedures, and detecting anomalies. Lab: reviewing sample log extracts to spot compliance issues and setting up alerts for suspicious events.
Requirement 11: Test Security Systems and Networks Regularly
Learn about the ongoing testing and scanning obligations. This includes quarterly vulnerability scans (internal and external), quarterly wireless network scans for rogue APs, annual penetration testing (network and application) , and change-detection mechanisms (file integrity monitoring). We’ll discuss working with Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs) and how to remediate vulnerabilities found during scans. Exercise: interpreting a vulnerability scan report and prioritizing fixes per PCI guidelines.
Requirement 12: Support Information Security with Organizational Policies and Programs
The final requirement ties everything together with governance practices. You’ll learn how to create and maintain a comprehensive security policy that addresses PCI DSS, including annual risk assessments, security awareness training for personnel, incident response planning, and vendor management programs. We provide templates and examples of policies, and discuss how to enforce compliance culture throughout the organization.
PCI DSS Audit Preparation & Best Practices
In this capstone module, we shift focus to preparing for a PCI DSS assessment. Topics include: building an audit checklist, collecting evidence for each PCI requirement (samples of policies, screen-shots, configs, logs), what to expect during a QSA on-site assessment, how to handle auditor interviews, and addressing commonly found gaps. We also cover the differences between a Report on Compliance (ROC) and Self-Assessment Questionnaire, and guidance on maintaining compliance continuously (not just at audit time). By the end of this module, you’ll know how to successfully navigate the PCI DSS audit process and keep your environment compliant year-round.
Exam Preparation and Certification Prep
While PCI DSS itself is a compliance standard (not a single certification exam), our course is structured to thoroughly prepare you for any related certification or assessment you might pursue. We understand that many professionals taking this course aim to validate their knowledge through certifications or need to lead their organizations through formal audits. Here’s how we support your goals:
Structured Quizzes
Full-Length Mock Exam
PCI Professional (PCIP) & QSA Guidance
Continuous Learning Resources
Real Audit Preparedness
Exam Strategies and Study Plan
Frequently
Asked Questions
There are no formal prerequisites, but a basic understanding of information security and IT infrastructure will be helpful. The course is designed to start with fundamentals of PCI DSS, so both newcomers and those with some experience in security/compliance can follow along. If you have familiarity with networking, system administration, or other security standards (like ISO 27001 or SOC 2), you’ll find it easier to grasp some concepts, but we explain all key terms and concepts from the ground up.
Our PCI DSS training is delivered in a live online format. You can join the interactive sessions from anywhere. The total course duration is around 20–24 hours, typically split into manageable sessions (for example, 4 hours each over several days or weekends). We offer both weekday evening batches and weekend batches to accommodate different schedules. During each live session, you can engage with the instructor and classmates via chat and audio. If you happen to miss a session, we provide session recordings for later review, and our instructors can address any questions on missed material.
Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Wiseman CyberSec. This certificate recognizes that you have undergone formal training in PCI DSS v4.0. Please note this is not the same as an official PCI SSC certification, since PCI DSS itself is a standard rather than a personal certification. However, this training certificate demonstrates your expertise to employers and can be mentioned on your CV or LinkedIn. If you plan to pursue the official PCI Professional (PCIP) certification or other credentials, this course will significantly help in building the required knowledge.
Yes, in terms of knowledge and foundational skills. The course covers the entire PCI DSS syllabus which aligns closely with the PCI Professional (PCIP) exam content. Many of our past students have successfully gone on to pass the PCIP exam after taking our course (with some additional self-study of the PCI SSC materials). For becoming a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA), keep in mind that QSA is a designation for individuals working at PCI-authorized firms and requires attending PCI SSC’s own training and exams. What our course does is give you a strong grounding in PCI DSS so that you can excel in any QSA orientation or training you later undergo. It’s an excellent first step if QSA is your career goal. We also provide guidance on the process and requirements for PCIP, ISA, and QSA roles during the course.
Absolutely. The training is 100% focused on PCI DSS version 4.0, including all new or changed requirements introduced in this version. We constantly update our course material to reflect the latest guidelines from the PCI Security Standards Council. You will learn about new v4.0 concepts such as the “customized approach” option for controls, new requirements that became best practices in 2024 and will be mandatory by 2025, and changes in terminology (for example, the shift from “firewalls” to broader “Network Security Controls” in Requirement 1). Rest assured that you’re learning the most current standard, and we’ll highlight differences from v3.2.1 so you understand what’s new.
Though PCI DSS is a compliance standard, we’ve woven in a lot of practical, hands-on content to ensure you can apply what you learn. This includes labs and exercises like analyzing firewall configs, exploring encryption tools, evaluating sample audit evidence, and working through case studies. You’ll also participate in discussions and group activities (e.g., designing a network for PCI compliance, or doing a mock risk assessment). These practical elements help translate the requirements into real-world actions. By the end of the course, you’ll have not only theoretical knowledge but also experience with tools and scenarios that PCI professionals encounter.
We pride ourselves on supporting our students even beyond the classroom. During the course, you can ask questions anytime – our instructors are very approachable and make time for Q&A. After the course, you will have access to our Wiseman CyberSec alumni community where you can post questions, share insights, and continue learning. Our instructors periodically check in on the forums to answer post-training questions. Additionally, you’ll retain access to course materials and session recordings for a period of time, so you can revisit the content as needed. We want to ensure you are fully equipped to implement PCI DSS in your work, so we’re here to help whenever you need guidance.
Ready to Enroll?
Take the next step in your cybersecurity career by mastering PCI DSS compliance. Don’t miss this opportunity to become your organization’s go-to PCI DSS expert and lead the charge in securing payment data.
Our upcoming PCI DSS v4.0 training batches are filling up quickly. Join Wiseman CyberSec’s PCI DSS Training Program to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to achieve compliance excellence.
Enroll now and empower yourself to protect sensitive payment information, ensure compliance, and boost your professional credentials in the process. Secure your seat today and become a champion of payment security!
