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MasterCard changes PCI Validation Requirements – Affects All Level 2 Merchants

On June 15th, 2009, MasterCard Worldwide made a dramatic change to its PCI validation requirements, affecting an estimated 10,000 merchants worldwide.

What is the change?

MasterCard now requires that all Level 2 merchants have annual on-site assessments conducted by a PCI SSC certified QSA. This is a change from the self-assessment approach which was previously required.

By when does the change have to take place?

All Level 2 merchants that internally audited themselves prior to 15 June 2009 must validate compliance with the PCI DSS via an annual onsite assessment conducted by a PCI SSC certified QSA by 31 December 2010.

Who is affected by this change?

All Level 2 merchants -- roughly defined as those merchants processing between 1 million and 6 million MasterCard transactions annually. Additionally, many service providers may be indirectly affected by this change.

What does this mean for merchant organizations?

Merchants must move quickly to ensure they are ready to pass a third-party PCI assessment.  Merchants may find that third-party assessors interpret compliance requirements more strictly than their internal auditors – especially in store systems.  One of the best ways to move quickly is with turnkey compliance solutions such as the Reliant Security MPS Redbox, which provides ‘Compliance in a box’ and makes it fast and easy to get PCI complaint.

How can I learn more?

Contact Reliant Security at (917) 338-2200 or sales@reliantsec.net to discuss how this change will affect you. And join Reliant Security for an upcoming webinar "How to address recent changes in PCI Validation Requirements for Level 2 merchants." Date and time to be announced.

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