PCI DSS Compliance | MasterCard SDP Changes Rules for Merchants

MasterCard has recently announced changes to their Site Data Protection program, which now requires BOTH Level 1 and Level 2 Merchants to retain a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to validate compliance in regards to PCI DSS.

This is truly a monumental shake up in the industry, as many Level 2 merchants that could “self-assess” in the past now have to engage with a QSA to perform an annual on-site assessment. As a QSA myself, i cannot give hard and fast number as to how many merchants this will affect, but i can tell you that it will be a high number indeed. Level 2 Merchants have quite honestly never been exposed to the time, expenses, and arduous undertakings of an annual on-site PCI DSS assessment. What’s more, these costs will without question create significant financial constraints for Level 2 merchants.

Finally, MasterCard has designated that all Merchants identified as Level 2 merchants by other brands will also be classified as Level 2 for MasterCard. Call it reciprocity, simple and to the point.

MasterCard has also redefined the Service Provider thresholds and their respective levels to align with Visa.

My advice, find yourself a good, competent, knowledgeable Qualified Security Assessor.