Managed service providers (MSPs) play an important role in safeguarding their clients’ IT infrastructure. However, the scope of their responsibilities extends beyond mere network security. Ensuring compliance with industry standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), is crucial. A fundamental part of this compliance process is the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).
This blog will delve into why MSPs should assist their clients with the SAQ process, highlighting the added value and protection against potential pitfalls.
Let’s take a look at some expectations modern MSPs ought to meet when it comes to ensuring their clients are PCI-compliant.
MSPs are already integral to their clients’ network and data security, making the extension to compliance support a natural progression. This role involves maintaining secure configurations, monitoring for threats and ensuring data protection, all of which align with PCI DSS requirements. By assisting with the SAQ, MSPs can ensure that their clients’ security measures are both robust and compliant.
Clients trust MSPs to handle their IT environments securely. Leveraging this trust to guide clients through the SAQ process reinforces your commitment to their security. Your expertise in network and data security provides a solid foundation for understanding and implementing the controls required by PCI DSS.
Diving further into the role MSPs play for businesses, let’s take a look at how MSPs can help clients avoid compliance risks.
Completing the SAQ accurately is critical, as errors can lead to non-compliance and hefty fines. For example, a common mistake is misinterpreting technical jargon or requirements. By guiding clients through the SAQ, MSPs can help prevent these costly errors. Consider a client who incorrectly states that they encrypt cardholder data when their encryption method doesn’t meet PCI DSS standards. This mistake could result in significant fines if discovered during an audit.
Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) unknowingly incur non-compliance fees from their payment processors due to errors in their SAQ. According to research, 73% of SMBs are non-compliant, often paying hidden fees as a result. By assisting with the SAQ, MSPs can help clients avoid these unnecessary expenses and ensure they meet all compliance requirements.
Here’s how your MSP can add more value to its services portfolio in the context of PCI compliance.
Incorporating SAQ support into your services not only differentiates your MSP from competitors but also deepens client relationships. Clients value comprehensive solutions, and by offering compliance support, you demonstrate a commitment to their overall security and operational success.
Providing compliance support can create new revenue streams and improve client retention. Clients are more likely to stay with an MSP that offers a holistic approach to IT security, including compliance management. This can lead to long-term contracts and opportunities for upselling additional services.
There are several reasons why MSPs shouldn’t tackle the completion of SAQs alone.
While MSPs have extensive knowledge in IT and network security, the SAQ requires a detailed understanding and experience in PCI compliance. Without this specialized expertise, there’s a risk of providing incorrect guidance, which can lead to non-compliance and potential liability.
Managing the SAQ process for multiple clients is time-consuming and can strain resources. Even the simplest SAQ could take two hours to complete. For an MSP with 50 clients, this translates to at least 100 hours — time that could be better spent on core services. Handling SAQs for numerous clients can overwhelm an MSP’s resources, making it impractical to manage SAQs internally.
Here’s how Secure Payments can take the burden of PCI DSS compliance off the shoulders of MSPs:
Secure Payments specializes in PCI DSS compliance, and we’re ready to take over the SAQ process to reduce the burden on MSPs. Our team provides the specialized knowledge required to navigate the complexities of PCI DSS compliance. By partnering with Secure Payments, MSPs can seamlessly integrate our services into their operations, ensuring compliance without disruption — and without adding another item to their endless to-do list.
Secure Payments ensures accuracy and efficiency in managing PCI compliance, reducing risks and allowing MSPs to focus on their core services. Our expert-led approach guarantees that SAQs are completed correctly, mitigating the potential for errors and fines. Additionally, clients benefit from professional compliance management, enhancing their trust in your services.
Guiding clients through the SAQ process is a valuable extension of MSP services, preventing costly mistakes and non-compliance fees. However, the complexity and resource demands of the SAQ highlight the need for specialized support. We encourage MSPs to explore how Secure Payments can support their clients’ PCI DSS compliance needs. By partnering with Secure Payments, you can ensure accurate and efficient PCI DSS compliance management, allowing you to focus on your core services. After all, expert-led compliance management is crucial in today’s regulatory landscape.
You will be asked to help your clients with their SAQs (if you haven’t been already). Our Secure Payments concierge will take this burden off your hands immediately and work directly with your customers to help them attain compliance smoothly so you can concentrate on growing your business.
Schedule a call with our specialist today to learn more.
