How to Prepare for Secure SLC and the Secure Software Assessment ?

In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are increasingly common, securing payment applications has never been more important. The Payment Card Industry Software Security Framework (PCI SSF) was introduced to address the growing need for robust security in payment software. This framework guides organisations in building and maintaining secure software systems that protect sensitive cardholder data throughout the software's entire lifecycle. A key component of PCI SSF is the Secure Software Lifecycle (Secure SLC), which outlines the process of secure development, testing, and deployment of payment software.

In this blog, we’ll break down what PCI SSF is all about, including its two main standards—the Secure Software Lifecycle (Secure SLC) and Secure Software—which work together to ensure that software security is built in from the ground up. We’ll also dive into the core control objectives of the framework, which focus on minimising attack surfaces, protecting software assets, and managing software lifecycle security. Moreover, we’ll examine how PCI SSF goes beyond the older PA-DSS standard by offering a more comprehensive approach to securing payment software. By understanding PCI SSF and its benefits, organisations can strengthen their security posture, reduce the risk of data breaches, and ensure they are aligned with industry best practices for secure software. Whether you're a software vendor or a payment application user, this blog will help you navigate the complexities of PCI SSF and highlight why adopting these security measures is crucial for protecting sensitive payment information.

The PCI Software Security Framework (PCI SSF) provides a methodology for validating a software security and a secure software lifecycle qualification for vendors with robust security development practices.

Secure Software Program
Validation to the Secure Software Standard shows that the payment software product is designed, engineered, developed, and maintained in the manner that protects payment transactions and data, minimises vulnerabilities, and defends against attacks.

The requirements in the Secure Software Standard are organised into the following four requirement modules:

1. Core Requirements (Core Module): General security requirements that apply to all types of payment software regardless of software function, design, or underlying technology.

2. Module A – Account Data Protection Requirements (Account Data Protection Module): Additional security requirements for payment software that store, process, or transmit account data.

3. Module B – Terminal Software Requirements (Terminal Software Module): Additional security requirements for payment software specifically designed for deployment and operation on PCI-approved POI devices.

4. Module C – Web Software Requirements (Web Software Module): Additional security requirements for payment software that uses Internet technologies, protocols, and languages to initiate or support electronic payment transactions.

Secure SLC Program
Validation to the Secure SLC Standard illustrates that the software vendor has secure software lifecycle management practices in place to ensure its payment software is designed, developed, and maintained to protect payment transactions and data, minimise vulnerabilities, and defend against attacks.

The PCI Secure SLC Requirements are organised into four main sections:
1. Software Security Governance
2. Secure Software Engineering
3. Secure Software and Data Management
4. Security Communications

PCI SSF compliance is essential for implementing robust protections for sensitive data in payment processing applications. It not only reduces the risk of data breaches but also helps maintain your organisation's reputation and foster trust with stakeholders, including clients and third parties.

PCI SSF can be challenging since the framework's objectives may not be universally applicable to all organisations. Its requirements are often seen as best practices for data security, leading some organisations to struggle with fully understanding and effectively applying these controls across their software applications.

The first step towards PCI SSF compliance is to review its requirements with the assistance of a trusted PCI compliance advisor such as Risk Associates. Once you’ve defined the relevant scope for your organisation, conduct a thorough security and risk assessment to address any identified gaps or vulnerabilities.

Since compliance is an ongoing process, it’s important to regularly assess and update your compliance status in line with the PCI SSF guidelines.

The PCI SSF equips organisations with the tools, guidelines, and best practices needed to develop and maintain secure software applications. While achieving compliance can be demanding and resource-intensive, the benefits, such as improved security, reduced risk, and alignment with regulations significantly outweigh the challenges. By adopting a secure software development lifecycle and conducting regular assessments, your organisation can meet PCI SSF requirements and stay ahead of emerging security threats.