By Jade Hancock June 2, 2025
In a digital-first economy where businesses rely heavily on electronic transactions, protecting customer payment data is not just good practice—it is a necessity. The risks associated with data breaches, fraud, and identity theft are ever-present. That’s why the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, commonly known as PCI DSS, was developed to ensure businesses take steps to secure cardholder data. One of the most critical tools in this framework is the PCI scan.
What Is PCI DSS and Why Does It Matter?
Before diving into the role of scans, it’s important to understand the broader standard they support. PCI DSS is a security framework established by major card networks including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. Its goal is to ensure that businesses that handle cardholder data maintain a secure environment.
Why Businesses Must Comply
Any business that processes, stores, or transmits cardholder data is subject to PCI DSS requirements. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, legal consequences, and most importantly, a loss of consumer trust. Compliance is not a one-time event but an ongoing responsibility.
PCI compliance involves multiple aspects—firewall configurations, encryption, employee training, and vulnerability management. This is where PCI scans come into play as one of the key components.
What Is a PCI Scan?
A PCI scan, also known as a vulnerability scan, is an automated tool that tests your external systems for security weaknesses. These scans are conducted by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) recognized by the PCI Security Standards Council.
External vs Internal Scans
There are two types of scans relevant to businesses. External scans focus on internet-facing assets such as websites and IP addresses. These are the most common and mandatory for many merchants. Internal scans, though not always required, assess internal networks to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited if an attacker gains access.
How PCI Scans Work
The scanning tool sends probes to your servers, firewalls, and any systems that are accessible from the internet. It checks for known vulnerabilities such as unpatched software, outdated security certificates, exposed ports, and default credentials. Once the scan is complete, it generates a report identifying each issue and assigning a severity level.
To achieve compliance, businesses must resolve any high or medium-risk vulnerabilities and then re-scan to confirm the fixes.
Why PCI Scans Are Important for Cardholder Data Protection
PCI scans are more than just a technical requirement. They serve a larger purpose in identifying weak points before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Finding and Fixing Vulnerabilities Early
Hackers are constantly scanning the web for weak systems to exploit. A missed patch or misconfigured firewall could expose cardholder data. PCI scans help you find these vulnerabilities before attackers do.
This early detection is essential because even a single breach can result in thousands of compromised records, damaging both your business and your customers.
Providing Evidence of Compliance
Quarterly PCI scans are a mandatory part of compliance for many merchants, especially those accepting payments online. These scans provide a documented trail that proves your business is actively monitoring its security posture.
Banks, payment processors, and credit card networks may ask for scan results as part of your compliance validation. A passing scan can strengthen your credibility with these stakeholders.
Enhancing Customer Trust
Data privacy is a growing concern among consumers. A business that actively maintains its PCI compliance, including regular scans, demonstrates a commitment to customer safety. This can be a differentiator in a competitive market.
Whether or not customers understand the technicalities, they respond positively to signs of security like trust badges, SSL certificates, and secure checkout messaging—all of which stem from maintaining secure systems.
When and How Often Should Scans Be Done?
The PCI DSS requires external vulnerability scans at least once every 90 days. However, there are instances where more frequent scans may be beneficial or even necessary.
Quarterly Scanning
Quarterly scans are the minimum standard for businesses that process cardholder data through internet-connected systems. This includes most e-commerce websites and any point-of-sale system that connects to the internet.
After System Changes
Any time you make changes to your infrastructure—such as adding a new server, changing a firewall setting, or updating software—a scan should follow. This ensures new vulnerabilities haven’t been introduced during the update.
During Incident Response
If there’s a suspected breach or unusual activity, conducting an immediate scan can help identify where the weakness lies and how to contain it. This is often done in coordination with forensic investigations.
What Happens If a PCI Scan Fails?
Failing a PCI scan is not uncommon, especially for businesses that haven’t maintained regular security practices. Fortunately, failure does not mean the end of compliance. It is a chance to address vulnerabilities and improve your defenses.
Common Reasons for Failure
Some typical causes include:
- Unpatched software or outdated operating systems
- Use of deprecated security protocols like SSL or older versions of TLS
- Open or unnecessary ports on a firewall
- Insecure web applications or plugins
- Default login credentials on exposed systems
Each of these issues is resolvable. The scan report will include recommended actions, making it easier for your IT team to take the right steps.
Remediation and Rescanning
Once vulnerabilities are addressed, you can schedule a rescanning with your ASV. Most vendors allow unlimited rescans within a certain time frame. A successful rescanning will then produce a passing report you can submit as proof of compliance.
Reducing Risk Beyond the Scan
While PCI scans are an effective tool, they only test for known vulnerabilities at a specific point in time. For comprehensive protection, businesses should implement additional practices to secure cardholder data year-round.
Regular Patch Management
Keep all systems, software, and plugins up to date. Even a short delay in patching known vulnerabilities can be exploited. Create a schedule for reviewing and applying updates regularly.
Secure Network Architecture
Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and segmentation to isolate payment systems from other parts of your network. This makes it harder for attackers to move laterally if they breach a different part of your infrastructure.
Employee Training
Educate your staff on phishing threats, password hygiene, and proper data handling. Human error is one of the leading causes of security incidents.
Limit Data Storage
Where possible, avoid storing cardholder data. If you must store it, use tokenization and strong encryption. The less data you store, the less attractive you become to attackers.
How to Choose an Approved Scanning Vendor
Not every security company is authorized to perform PCI scans. Only an Approved Scanning Vendor, or ASV, recognized by the PCI Security Standards Council, can issue valid scan reports.
What to Look For in a Vendor
When choosing an ASV, consider:
- User-friendly dashboards and reporting tools
- Clear remediation guidance
- Responsive customer support
- Integration with your existing payment system
- Cost and rescan policy
Some merchant service providers bundle PCI scanning with other compliance tools. If you already use such a provider, check if they offer these services.
The Future of PCI Scans and Cybersecurity
As cyber threats grow more complex, PCI scans are evolving to keep pace. Future versions of PCI DSS are expected to include more advanced scanning requirements, deeper penetration testing, and greater emphasis on automation.
Preparing for Evolving Threats
Businesses must stay proactive. This means not only passing PCI scans today but preparing for the higher standards of tomorrow. Following industry news, joining security webinars, and reviewing updates from the PCI Security Standards Council can keep you ahead of the curve.
Investing in Long-Term Security
While compliance is often seen as a cost, businesses that invest in security early see long-term benefits. They reduce the risk of breaches, avoid costly fines, and build loyal customer bases who value safety.
Conclusion: PCI Scans Are a Business Essential
A PCI scan is more than just a technical box to check. It is a critical process that helps businesses protect their customers, maintain compliance, and reduce risk. As cardholder data becomes an increasingly valuable target for attackers, scanning becomes a frontline defense.
By understanding what the scan entails, preparing properly, and treating it as part of an ongoing security strategy, your business can stay compliant and secure. Ultimately, PCI scans are not about meeting regulations—they are about doing right by your customers and earning their trust.
Whether you run a boutique store in a small town or a bustling online marketplace, the protection of sensitive payment data must remain a top priority. PCI scans are one of the simplest and most impactful tools available to help you achieve that goal.