Compliance
PCI DSS Compliance for Your Business
If your business accepts credit cards, PCI DSS compliance isn't optional. From restaurants to retail shops, we help South Shore businesses secure their payment systems and meet PCI requirements without disrupting operations.
12 Requirements
PCI DSS Core Requirements
Install and maintain a firewall
Change vendor default passwords
Protect stored cardholder data
Encrypt transmission of card data
Use and update anti-virus software
Develop secure systems and apps
Restrict access to cardholder data
Assign unique IDs to each user
Restrict physical access to data
Track and monitor all network access
Regularly test security systems
Maintain an information security policy
How We Help
From Segmentation to Your SAQ
Your point-of-sale network is the most common target for card data theft. We implement the technical controls PCI DSS asks for and help you document them for your payment processor.
Segment the Payment Network
Separate VLANs for POS terminals, the back office and guest Wi-Fi, so a guest device can never reach your payment systems.
Harden and Encrypt
Firewall configuration, encryption of card data in transit, vendor default passwords changed and unique IDs for every user.
Patch, Scan, Monitor
Security patching, vulnerability scanning and monitoring of the systems that touch cardholder data.
Complete the SAQ
We help you complete the annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire your processor requires and keep the evidence current.
Massachusetts
PCI DSS and 201 CMR 17.00
PCI DSS is enforced by the card brands through your payment processor. Massachusetts adds a state obligation on top of it: under 201 CMR 17.00, a credit or debit card number tied to a resident's name is “personal information,” so any merchant holding that data must also maintain a Written Information Security Program (WISP).
The controls overlap: the 17.04 computer-system requirements (secure authentication, access control, encryption across public networks and wireless, monitoring, firewalls and patching, malware protection, employee training) cover most of the 12 PCI requirements above. We build them once and document them for both.
- Massachusetts WISP (201 CMR 17.00): the state baseline nearly every employer needs.
- HIPAA: for medical and dental practices that also take card payments at the front desk.
- CMMC: for defense contractors; the Level 1 safeguards cover the same access, authentication and patching controls.
This page summarizes public standards for general information and is not legal advice.
Services
Services That Cover the Requirements
Power Up Boston has served 1,622+ businesses over 17+ years from Plymouth, MA (as of September 2026), including restaurants, retail shops and service businesses across the South Shore. The controls above map to these services:
- Cybersecurity: firewall, encryption, vulnerability scanning, monitoring
- Managed IT: patching, POS support, network management
- Structured Cabling: clean runs for POS terminals and access points
- Security Cameras: coverage of registers and cash-handling areas
- Door Access Control: restrict physical access to systems and records
Who this is for
FAQ
PCI DSS FAQ
What is PCI DSS?
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security requirements for any business that accepts, processes, stores, or transmits credit card information. It's mandated by the major card brands (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) and enforced through your payment processor.
Does my small business need to be PCI compliant?
Yes. If you accept credit card payments in any form — in person, online, or over the phone — you must comply with PCI DSS. The level of compliance required depends on your transaction volume, but even the smallest merchant must complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) annually.
What are the PCI DSS requirements?
PCI DSS has 12 core requirements organized into 6 goals: build a secure network, protect cardholder data, maintain a vulnerability management program, implement strong access control, regularly monitor and test networks, and maintain an information security policy.
What happens if I'm not PCI compliant?
Non-compliance can result in fines from $5,000 to $100,000 per month from your payment processor. If a breach occurs, you're liable for the costs of card reissuance, fraud losses, and forensic investigation. Many businesses also lose the ability to accept credit cards entirely.
How does Power Up Boston help with PCI compliance?
We implement the technical controls required for PCI compliance: network segmentation, firewall configuration, encryption, access controls, vulnerability scanning, and security patching. We also help you complete your SAQ and maintain ongoing compliance.
Do I need PCI compliance for my POS system?
Absolutely. Your point-of-sale system is the most common target for card data theft. We ensure your POS network is segmented, encrypted, patched, and monitored. We work with restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses across the South Shore.
Related guides
Secure Your Payment Systems
Free PCI compliance assessment for South Shore businesses. We'll review your payment infrastructure and identify what needs to be fixed.
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