Key Takeaways
SAQ is a Self-Validation Tool: The Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) is a set of yes-or-no questions used primarily by small-scale merchants and service providers for self-validation of their PCI DSS compliance status.
ROC is the Formal Compliance Report: The Report on Compliance (ROC) is the comprehensive document required for all Level 1 Merchants and, occasionally, for Level 2 Merchants. It formally verifies a merchant’s adherence to all mandatory PCI DSS standards.
AOC Attests to Final Results: The Attestation of Compliance (AOC) is the final, essential form that accompanies either the ROC or the SAQ. It allows the merchant or service provider to formally declare the final compliance results of their PCI assessment.
How PCI DSS v4.0 Impacts Day-to-Day Business Practices
If you’re new to PCI compliance, or even if you’re a seasoned expert, there are many different acronyms to remember when researching the best assessor to handle your report. From AOC, ROC, to SAQ – let’s define the alphabet soup of PCI reporting.
Defining PCI Reporting: SAQ, ROC, AOC
Did you know that the PCI DSS was actually a collaboration between the major credit card companies? The goal was to create standards around payment method security and is often used in conjunction with other data security standards.
- SAQ – A Self-Assessment Questionnaire is a series of yes-or-no questions designed to assess an entity’s compliance with the PCI DSS. A SAQ is typically utilized as a self-validation tool by small scale merchants or service providers. That being said, it is still important to work through these questions with an assessment professional to ensure that all necessary standards are met.
- ROC – A Report on Compliance is a type of form that is used to verify a merchant’s compliance with PCI DSS. These forms are required for Level 1 Merchants. Level 2 Merchants may also be required to complete an ROC, based on circumstance.
- AOC – An Attestation of Compliance is one part of the SAQ or ROC. This form allows merchants or service providers to attest to the final results of a PCI assessment.
Speak to a Compliance Specialist.
Your Trusted PCI Partner
When you’re ready to engage a PCI QSAC for an AOC, ROC, or SAQ, look no further than Auditwerx. We have offered PCI compliance reporting to businesses of all sizes for over 10 years.
Our experienced assessors are here to help you simplify PCI reporting, from remediating gaps during your readiness assessment to providing the guidance needed for a successful compliance engagement.
FAQs
What is an SAQ and which merchants typically use it for PCI DSS compliance?
The Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) is a formal compliance tool that consists of yes-or-no questions to evaluate an entity’s adherence to the security standards. It is typically used by smaller merchants and service providers who can self-validate their status, though they often work with a compliance professional to ensure accuracy.
What is the role of the Report on Compliance (ROC) in a PCI assessment?
The Report on Compliance (ROC) is the detailed formal document used to verify a merchant’s full compliance with the PCI DSS security requirements. It is a mandatory requirement for Level 1 Merchants (those processing the highest volume of transactions) and may be required for other merchants depending on their circumstances.
What is the Attestation of Compliance (AOC) and why is it important?
The Attestation of Compliance (AOC) is the crucial document that certifies the outcome of a PCI assessment, whether that assessment was conducted via an ROC or an SAQ. It is the formal declaration by the merchant or service provider that they meet the necessary security standards.
Who collaborates to set the standards for the PCI DSS framework?
The PCI DSS standards were created through a collaboration among the major credit card companies. The goal of this collaboration was to establish common, global security standards around payment card security for all organizations handling card data.
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