Page 11 - EngineerIT AugustSeptember Issue 2026

FINTECH

Mobile applications introduce Flat networks, where proper segmentation methodology is overlooked to isolate
additional risks through insecure critical systems that process cardholder data from corporate systems, increase
APIs, weak certificate validation and the likelihood of lateral movement, while stolen or reused credentials continue
the potential for reverse engineering. to be a primary attack vector where authentication controls are insufficient.
Across all channels, risk is determined
by how payment flows are designed PCI DSS provides a structured approach to addressing these risks through
and where cardholder data is stored, strong segmentation, multi-factor authentication, least-privilege access and
processed and transmitted. When effective logging and monitoring. Secure software development practices and
organisations directly handle card regular testing further reduce exposure, particularly where organisations build or
data, the responsibility to secure it manage payment applications. Continuous vulnerability management ensures
increases, making proper scoping, that, as new threats emerge, controls evolve alongside them, maintaining
segmentation and access control security posture and keeping the environment secure and stable.
critical.
Building trust through consistent security practices
From annual audit to continuous Strong compliance builds confidence across the payment ecosystem. Customers
control expect payments to remain secure throughout the transaction, and showing
A common challenge is that alignment with recognised security frameworks helps build trust that sensitive
many organisations still approach data is properly protected. Compliance also strengthens relationships with
PCI DSS as a once-a-year audit acquiring banks, payment brands and enterprise clients, who often require proof
focused on documentation and that security controls are in place before engaging.
evidence collection. This often
creates unnecessary pressure and Failing to maintain compliance can lead to more than just financial penalties.
encourages reactive remediation It can damage your reputation and, in some cases, result in losing the ability to
rather than proactive control process card payments. Organisations that build PCI DSS into their day-to-day
management. When compliance is operations not only reduce fraud risk and make it easier to do business with
treated purely as a requirement to customers and payment providers, but they are also seen as trusted partners.
satisfy assessors, the opportunity to
strengthen governance and improve Secure payment operations support the business
operational discipline is lost. Secure payment environments are built through deliberate design, clear scoping
and continuous governance, not just periodic compliance efforts. By embedding
Embedding PCI DSS processes and PCI DSS processes and controls into everyday operations and leveraging the
controls into day-to-day operations expertise of qualified specialists, organisations can reduce risk, simplify their
changes this dynamic. When environments and improve operational efficiency. Treating PCI DSS not just as
organisations treat compliance a tick-box exercise but as an important tool for running payment operations
as an ongoing framework, they allows businesses to protect revenue, strengthen trust and support sustainable
replace periodic firefighting with performance over the long term.
structured governance and ongoing
control management. Proper
scoping prevents the cardholder's
data environment from becoming
unnecessarily large, which reduces
complexity, limits the number of
systems that need to be secured,
and makes the environment easier to
manage.

Practical controls to reduce
vulnerabilities
Across payment environments,
several weaknesses consistently
appear. Poor network segmentation,
excessive user privileges, unpatched
systems and weak payment page
integrity controls remain common
entry points for attackers.

11 | EngineerIT August/September 2026