PCI DSS v4.0 Compliance Self-Assessment Checklist
This PCI DSS v4.0 self-assessment checklist covers all 12 core requirements and new customized approach controls introduced in PCI DSS Version 4.0 (effective for all assessments from April 2024). Designed for merchants, service providers, and QSAs to evaluate cardholder data environment controls.
- Industry: Telecommunications & IT
- Frequency: Annually
- Estimated Time: 90-120 minutes
- Role: PCI Compliance Manager / QSA / IT Security Director
- Total Items: 22
- Compliance: PCI DSS v4.0 (March 2022, mandatory April 2024), PCI DSS v4.0 Customized Approach Requirements, PCI SSC Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) Guidance, NIST SP 800-115 Technical Guide to Security Testing, FTC Act Section 5 - Reasonable Security for Card Data
Req 1-2 - Network Security Controls
Firewall configuration, network segmentation, and vendor default elimination.
- Firewall/NSC rules reviewed and documented at minimum quarterly (Req 1.2.4)?
- Current accurate network diagram showing CDE scope and data flows (Req 1.2.1)?
- All vendor default passwords and security settings changed (Req 2.2.1)?
- CDE properly segmented and isolated from out-of-scope networks (Req 1.3)?
Req 3-4 - Cardholder Data Protection
PAN storage justification, masking, encryption, and transit protection.
- All stored PAN has documented business justification (Req 3.2.1)?
- PAN masked to first 6 and last 4 digits maximum when displayed (Req 3.3.1)?
- Stored PAN encrypted with strong cryptography (AES-256) (Req 3.5.1)?
- TLS 1.2 or higher used for all PAN transmission over open networks (Req 4.2.1)?
- Data retention and disposal policy limiting PAN storage period (Req 3.2.1)?
Req 6 - Secure Systems and Software
Patching, WAF deployment, and secure development practices.
- Critical/high security patches applied within one month (Req 6.3.3)?
- WAF deployed protecting all internet-facing web applications handling PANs (Req 6.4.2)?
- Security integrated into SDLC for all payment-related software (Req 6.2)?
- Manual or automated code review before production deployment (Req 6.2.4)?
Req 10 - Logging and Log Monitoring
Audit trail implementation, daily review, and 12-month retention.
- Audit logs capturing all required events for CDE systems (Req 10.2)?
- Logs retained 12 months with 3 months immediately available (Req 10.7)?
- Security events and logs reviewed at minimum daily (Req 10.4.1)?
- Time synchronization (NTP) consistent across all CDE systems (Req 10.6)?
Req 11 - Security Testing
Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing requirements.
- Quarterly internal vulnerability scans with high-risk findings remediated (Req 11.3.1)?
- Quarterly external scans by PCI SSC-Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) (Req 11.3.2)?
- Annual penetration test of CDE including network and application layers (Req 11.4.1)?
- IDS/IPS monitoring all CDE traffic (Req 11.5.1)?
- PCI DSS Compliance Notes and Gap Summary
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Why Use This PCI DSS v4.0 Compliance Self-Assessment Checklist?
This pci dss v4.0 compliance self-assessment checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for pci compliance manager / qsa / it security director professionals, this checklist covers 22 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.
Ensures compliance with PCI DSS v4.0 (March 2022, mandatory April 2024), PCI DSS v4.0 Customized Approach Requirements, PCI SSC Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) Guidance, NIST SP 800-115 Technical Guide to Security Testing, FTC Act Section 5 - Reasonable Security for Card Data. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the PCI DSS v4.0 Compliance Self-Assessment Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 22 inspection items across 5 sections: Req 1-2 - Network Security Controls, Req 3-4 - Cardholder Data Protection, Req 6 - Secure Systems and Software, Req 10 - Logging and Log Monitoring, Req 11 - Security Testing. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 90-120 minutes.
Who should use this PCI DSS v4.0 Compliance Self-Assessment Checklist?
This checklist is designed for PCI Compliance Manager / QSA / IT Security Director professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.