The Best PCI DSS Training Tools

With the ever-increasing threat of data breaches and cyberattacks, businesses must adopt robust measures to protect sensitive information. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) stands as a formidable framework designed to safeguard cardholder data, but ensuring compliance can be a complex and demanding endeavor. Fortunately, the market has responded with a plethora of PCI DSS training tools, each offering unique features and advantages to assist organizations in their pursuit of data security excellence.

In this article, we will explore the best PCI DSS training tools available, helping you navigate the landscape and make informed decisions to fortify your data security efforts. Whether you’re a small business owner or a cybersecurity professional, this guide will provide valuable insights into the top training resources to ensure your organization’s compliance with PCI DSS and enhance its overall cybersecurity posture.

Here is our list of the best PCI DSS training tools:

1. The PCI Security Standards Council This organization is the authority for the PCI DSS standard and provides certification for data protection professionals as well as awareness training for employees working with bank card payment data.
2. SANS Security Awareness Options for technician and end-user security awareness training from this leader in cybersecurity information provision.
3. KnowBe4 This platform is designed to educate the customers of online banking systems to the dangers of phishing scams.
4. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training This package includes an analysis system that identifies which users need the most awareness training.
5. OneTrust Platform This platform has a long menu of data security services that include end-user training as well as data governance and compliance management.
6. Skillsoft This service offers training on a wide range of topics, including PCI DSS, which is offered in 30 languages.
7. Inspired eLearning PCI Training This training program has been recently updated for PCI DSS v3.4 and can be combined with email security awareness.

The Best PCI DSS Training Tools

1. The PCI Security Standards Council

The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) is a global forum that brings together payments industry stakeholders to develop and drive the adoption of data security standards and resources for safe payments worldwide. The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) plays a pivotal role in assisting organizations with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) training and compliance.

Key Features:

• The definitive authority for PCI DSS
• Consultant certification
• Employee awareness training
• Programs for work-from-home employee
• A directory of qualified consultants

Why do we recommend it?

The PCI Security Standard Council (PCI SSC) manages the PCI DSS definition and keeps its training up to date with the latest developments in the standard. All certification for PCI DSS comes from this organization, so consultants who want to advise companies in data protection will need certification from PCI SSC in order to get clients that handle payments by bank card.

The PCI SSC serves as a central authority for PCI DSS compliance, offering guidance, resources, training, certification programs, and a community for organizations seeking to secure payment card data. The  PCI SSC platform provides PCI DSS-related training such as PCI Professional Training, PCI Acquirer Training, PCI Awareness Training, PCI Forensic Investigator Training, and more. Their efforts are instrumental in helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of PCI DSS and maintain robust security measures to protect cardholder data.

The following are the various ways that the PCI SSC training platform helps organizations:

• Training and Education The PCI SSC offers training and educational resources to help organizations and professionals better understand PCI DSS. This includes webinars, workshops, and educational materials designed to promote awareness and knowledge of PCI DSS compliance.
• Certification Programs The PCI SSC offers certification programs for professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in PCI DSS compliance. These certifications, such as the PCI Professional (PCIP) and the PCI Internal Security Assessor (PCI ISA), can be beneficial for individuals involved in compliance assessments and audits.
• Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) Program The PCI SSC maintains the QSA program, which certifies third-party organizations and individuals to assess an organization’s compliance with PCI DSS. QSAs play a crucial role in helping organizations achieve and maintain compliance by conducting assessments and providing guidance.
• Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) The PCI SSC provides various SAQs tailored to different types of organizations and payment card processing methods. These questionnaires help organizations assess their compliance status and determine the appropriate validation method.
• Vendor List The PCI SSC maintains a list of validated payment security products and solutions. This list helps organizations identify and select security technologies and services that align with PCI DSS requirements, simplifying the compliance process.

Who is it recommended for?

The employee awareness training offered by PCI SSC is useful for all businesses that manage bank card payment records. However, as it is the definitive organization for PCI DSS, the training is not available in every town and it is expensive, so looking through the provider list on the PCI SSC site could provide many companies with more accessible trainers.

2. SANS Security Awareness

SANS Institute, a renowned organization in the field of cybersecurity training and education, plays a significant role in helping organizations achieve PCI DSS training and compliance. SANS Security assists organizations in PCI DSS training and compliance by offering specialized courses, expert instructors, hands-on learning experiences, and a wealth of resources. Their commitment to staying current with compliance standards and their flexible training options make them a valuable partner for organizations looking to enhance their data security posture and meet PCI DSS requirements.

Key Features:

• A reputable security brand
• A library of videos
• Training for technicians
• Training needs assessment guide

Why do we recommend it?

SANS can provide a range of training courses for end users that provide advice for best practices in working procedures. A number of the SANS courses also spell out to employees how their carelessness with data or by installing their own software on company machines can create a high risk of attack.

The training modules are designed to elevate employees’ understanding of security, privacy, and data protection and handling best practices, and the consequences of data breaches. The modules are designed to be engaging and include real-world scenarios and interactive elements.

Here are several ways SANS Security assists organizations in this regard:

• Comprehensive PCI DSS Training Courses SANS offers specialized training courses that are specifically tailored to PCI DSS compliance requirements. These courses provide in-depth knowledge of the PCI DSS standard, its intricacies, and practical strategies for implementation. They cover topics such as securing payment card data, network security, and best practices for compliance.
• Experienced Instructors SANS instructors are experts in the field of cybersecurity and often have real-world experience in PCI DSS compliance and assessments. Their expertise and insights are invaluable for organizations looking to navigate the complexities of PCI DSS.
• Hands-On Learning SANS emphasizes hands-on learning, enabling participants to gain practical experience in securing payment card data and configuring systems in compliance with PCI DSS. This practical approach helps learners apply their knowledge effectively within their organizations.
• Up-to-date Content PCI DSS compliance requirements can change over time. SANS ensures that its training content is kept up-to-date with the latest PCI DSS standards and regulations, helping organizations stay current with evolving compliance requirements.
• Customized Training Solutions SANS offers flexible training options, including on-site training, online courses, and self-paced learning, allowing organizations to choose the format that best suits their needs and schedules. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for busy professionals and teams.
• Certification Programs SANS offers certifications such as the GIAC Payment Card Industry Professional (GPCI) certification, which validates expertise in PCI DSS compliance. Earning this certification can enhance the credentials of professionals involved in PCI DSS compliance efforts.

Who is it recommended for?

SANS is well known in the technician community for its prominence in the field of cybersecurity. So, IT support staff will not put up resistance to being given a SANS training course, in fact, they will see it as career-enhancing. The high opinion of the SANS Institute held by technicians should mean that they will assist in encouraging end users to engage with a SANS security course.

3. KnowBe4

KnowBe4 has established itself as a pioneering force in the realm of security awareness and data protection training. Its distinctive feature lies in its dynamic and captivating approach to content delivery. Gone are the times of monotonous and uninteresting training sessions. Thanks to its intuitive interface and an array of multimedia elements, learning is transformed into a not only effective but also enjoyable experience.

Key Features:

• Phishing advice
• Specific product for the finance sector
• Customer awareness training

Why do we recommend it?

KnowBe4 helps the users of finance platforms to become aware of phishing threats and other social profiling scams that can draw them to disclose their account credentials or fall for a scam that encourages them to send money. These tips are also useful for training employees.

KnowBe4 helps organizations in PCI DSS training and compliance by offering a comprehensive suite of tools and resources for security awareness training, policy development, risk assessment, and compliance reporting. Their focus on phishing simulation and employee awareness is particularly valuable in protecting payment card data and meeting PCI DSS requirements.

KnowBe4 cybersecurity awareness training platform offers several ways to assist organizations in PCI DSS training and compliance. These include:

• Phishing Simulation Training KnowBe4 provides organizations with tools to conduct simulated phishing attacks on employees. These simulations can include scenarios related to PCI DSS compliance, helping employees recognize and respond to phishing attempts that may target payment card data. This helps organizations bolster their security awareness, a critical aspect of PCI DSS compliance.
• Security Awareness Training Modules KnowBe4 offers a library of security awareness training modules that cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics, including PCI DSS compliance. These modules can educate employees on the importance of protecting payment card data, secure data handling practices, and how to comply with PCI DSS requirements.
• Customizable Training Content Organizations can customize KnowBe4’s training content to align with their specific PCI DSS compliance needs and policies. This allows for tailored training that addresses an organization’s unique challenges and requirements.
• Reporting and Analytics KnowBe4 provides reporting and analytics tools that allow organizations to track the progress and effectiveness of their PCI DSS training initiatives. This data helps organizations identify areas that may need additional attention and measure their compliance efforts.
• Security Policy Templates KnowBe4 offers a repository of security policy templates, including those related to PCI DSS compliance. These templates can serve as a starting point for organizations to create and enforce policies that align with PCI DSS requirements.
• Risk Assessment Tools The platform includes tools for conducting security risk assessments. This is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organization’s payment card data environment, which is a fundamental aspect of PCI DSS compliance.
• Compliance Reporting KnowBe4 offers reporting capabilities that can assist organizations in documenting their compliance efforts for PCI DSS audits. This includes evidence of employee training and awareness programs.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is specifically designed for online banking services. However, it could also be applied to sales platforms where the user has to store payment card details within the personal account settings. Although this isn’t specific to PCI DSS standards, it will reduce the vulnerability of your customers to financial fraud.

4. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training

Proofpoint helps organizations bridge the gap between knowledge, behavior, and security outcomes. The suite of resources offered by Proofpoint Security Awareness Training encompasses simulations, tests, cultural assessments, and internal cybersecurity evaluations. What sets Proofpoint Security Awareness Training apart is its tailored approach. It understands that different roles within an organization come with different vulnerabilities and competencies.

Key Features:

• User assessments
• Simulation-based training
• Results evaluation

Why do we recommend it?

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training enables managers to target training based on an analysis of which users are more vulnerable because they have access to more sensitive data and also by looking at who has already been targeted, accounting for whether or not those attacks were successful.

Proofpoint has several services, products, and training programs that help organizations stay PCI-DSS compliant. With these tools, you can easily comply with information and data protection rules across a range of industries, such as PCI. Proofpoint security awareness training (SAT) modules cover various cybersecurity topics, including those relevant to PCI DSS compliance. These modules are designed to educate employees about the importance of securing payment card data, recognizing potential threats, and complying with PCI DSS requirements.

Proofpoint SAT may include tools for conducting simulated phishing attacks on employees. These simulations help organizations assess their employees’ ability to identify phishing attempts, which is critical for protecting payment card data and complying with PCI DSS.

Who is it recommended for?

This package is an important option for any business, not only those that store payment card data or any other form of PII because hackers can use access to corporate resources to steal CPU time for cryptomining or use internet gateways as a pass-through to cover criminal activity.

Organizations may be able to customize Proofpoint SAT’s training content to align with their specific PCI DSS compliance needs and corporate policies. This customization ensures that training is tailored to the organization’s unique requirements. Proofpoint SAT provides metrics and reports that measure the overall security awareness and readiness of employees, helping organizations identify areas that may need additional focus to achieve PCI DSS compliance.

5. OneTrust Platform

OneTrust is a prominent technology platform that specializes in helping organizations manage various aspects of data protection, security, privacy, and data compliance. It offers a suite of tools and solutions designed to address the complex challenges posed by data protection and privacy regulations like PCI DSS, and the need for ethical data handling. While OneTrust offers a range of tools and solutions for data privacy and compliance, it may not be a dedicated PCI DSS training platform.

Key Features:

• A privacy protection platform
• Includes a library of awareness courses
• Records progress for compliance reporting

Why do we recommend it?

The OneTrust platform is a high-end system with extensive data protection services that has specialized units for many different data protection standards. This platform will be particularly interesting for international businesses that need to address the requirements of different governments. User awareness training is available for all of the supported standards.

However, organizations can use the OneTrust platform to support their PCI DSS compliance efforts in many ways:

• OneTrust’s GRC and Security Assurance Cloud help organizations simplify the compliance process by putting PCI requirements into practice. Utilize ready-made PCI DSS-compliant policies and controls, work collaboratively with your auditors, and monitor your path to compliance through a unified operational dashboard.
• OneTrust’s platform includes risk assessment and management features that can be applied to identify and mitigate risks associated with payment card data. This aligns with PCI DSS requirement 12.1, which mandates a formal risk assessment process. OneTrust allows organizations to create, manage, and enforce data protection and security policies. These policies can be aligned with PCI DSS requirements and communicated to employees to ensure compliance.
• OneTrust allows organizations to create and maintain a detailed inventory of their data assets, including payment card data. This data mapping can assist organizations in identifying where cardholder data is stored, processed, or transmitted within their systems—a crucial step in PCI DSS compliance. OneTrust’s data classification capabilities can help organizations categorize data, including payment card data, based on sensitivity. Proper data classification is essential for implementing the necessary security controls as required by PCI DSS.

Who is it recommended for?

OneTrust doesn’t publish its price list, which is an indication of expensive products. The awareness training programs are available for different business roles and departments, which makes this a very appealing platform for large organizations. The range of standards that the platform supports makes it appealing to multinationals.

6. Skillsoft

Skillsoft is a leading eLearning company that provides modern data protection, privacy, and GDPR compliance training solutions. With a wealth of expertise and a diverse array of cybersecurity and data protection courses, Skillsoft equips businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the complex world of data regulations.

Key Features:

• Interactive training
• Team collaboration
• Available in 30 languages

Why do we recommend it?

Skillsoft provides training videos and there is a 15-minute video in the library for PCI DSS. This doesn’t seem very long, however, you should expect to integrate PCI DSS awareness training into other skills training programs. The videos are hosted online and the delivery environment enables team members to interact with each other.

While they offer a wide range of courses and resources on various topics, including cybersecurity, compliance, and professional development, they may not offer dedicated PCI DSS training. However, organizations can use Skillsoft’s resources and platform to support their PCI DSS training and compliance efforts in many ways.

Skillsoft typically provides a vast catalog of cybersecurity courses, which may include topics related to PCI DSS compliance. Organizations can leverage these courses to educate their employees, IT staff, and compliance teams on the requirements and best practices of PCI DSS. Skillsoft offers resources and content to help organizations foster a culture of security awareness. Building a security-conscious workforce is essential for PCI DSS compliance, as employees play a significant role in maintaining security.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a good solution for large organizations that want to blend PCI DSS training in with other role-specific training. PCI DSS only applies in the USA. However, this training video is available in 30 languages, so multinationals that have call centers or data centers outside the USA but process American transactions there would really like this option.

The platform also allows organizations to track the progress of employees and measure their understanding through assessments. This data-driven approach enables organizations to identify areas of improvement and take corrective actions. A free online demo is available on request.

7. Inspired eLearning PCI Training

Inspired eLearning is a company that specializes in providing cybersecurity and data protection training solutions. Inspired eLearning Data Protection training teaches data protection laws and how to apply key principles and concepts that help safeguard against common data threats and vulnerabilities. This ensures that your organization can stay ahead of the curve, minimizing risks associated with non-compliance.

Key Features:

• Two PCI DSS courses
• Training for data processing clerks
• Training for IT professionals

Why do we recommend it?

This provider is similar to Skillsoft in that it provides online videos for training. The Inspired eLearning PCI Training videos for clerks include advice for card handling in retail locations as well as in corporate offices. The IT practitioner training deals with control objectives and incident management.

Inspired eLearning’s PCI Compliance program meets all 12 points of the PCI DSS. Inspired eLearning offers PCI training courses in the following areas: PCI Essentials for Account Data Handlers and Supervisors, PCI Requirements Overview for IT Professionals, PCI Essentials for Account Data Handlers and Supervisors, PCI Requirements Overview for I.T. Professionals. All the training courses help cardholder data handlers and supervisors ensure compliance with PCI standards, pass audits, and avoid data breaches.

Organizations can use their Inspired eLearning platform to support PCI DSS training and compliance efforts in the following ways:

• Cybersecurity Awareness Training VIPRE-Inspired eLearning offers a range of cybersecurity awareness training modules that can be customized to include content related to PCI DSS compliance. These modules can educate employees about the importance of protecting payment card data and recognizing potential security threats.
• Phishing Simulation The platform includes phishing simulation tools that help organizations assess their employees’ ability to identify phishing attempts, which is crucial for PCI DSS compliance, as many data breaches begin with phishing attacks.
• Customizable Content Organizations can customize the training content to align with PCI DSS compliance requirements and their specific policies and procedures. This ensures that the training program is tailored to the organization’s unique needs.
• Regular Content Updates Given the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats and PCI DSS requirements, the platform regularly updates its training content to reflect the latest standards and best practices.

Who is it recommended for?

The Inspired eLearning courses are very reasonably priced and so they are accessible to all sizes of businesses. The course for IT departments is more of an overview of PCI DSS rules and would be more suitable for the managers of the IT departments of mid-sized and large organizations. The tips on managing card payments in face-to-face retail transactions are very useful for stores.