Elevate Your PCI Compliance
Raxis delivers AI-augmented penetration testing for unmatched accuracy and quality, aligning with NIST SP 800-115 and MITRE ATT&CK frameworks to simulate real threats without disruption.
Our Modern Approach
We blend human expertise with AI augmentation for superior results. OSCP-certified engineers lead tests using black-box, white-box, and gray-box methods, guided by OWASP, OSSTMM, and PTES. No harm to systems while maintaining strict boundaries and requiring approvals through secure channels.
Real-World Attack Simulation
Experience how attackers actually target payment systems. Our penetration testing replicates genuine threat actor techniques used in recent payment card breaches. From sophisticated phishing campaigns to lateral movement through segmented networks, we simulate the complete attack lifecycle that cybercriminals use to compromise cardholder data environments.
PCI Segmentation Testing
Isolate cardholder data environments (CDE) to dramatically reduce compliance scope and costs. Our comprehensive approach maps data flows, designs tailored segmentation strategies, and manually validates network segments while leveraging AI-powered tools for precise vulnerability detection and continuous monitoring.
Proper segmentation testing confirms your cardholder data environment remains isolated from broader network infrastructure, reducing PCI scope by up to 80% while strengthening overall security posture.
Reduced Risk
Using advanced ethical hacking techniques, we simulate real-world attacks to uncover hidden weaknesses before cybercriminals can exploit them. Prevention beats reaction every time.
Compliance Confidence
With PCI DSS 4.0 bringing stricter requirements and shorter remediation windows, our penetration testing validates your controls work as designed while positioning you for long-term compliance success.
Build unshakeable customer trust
Many enterprise clients and government entities require PCI compliance before they’ll even consider partnerships, making our testing your gateway to lucrative contracts you couldn’t access otherwise.
What is Augmented Penetration testing?
Augmented penetration testing combines automated security tools with expert human analysis to deliver continuous, in depth assessments. This modern approach meets PCI standards to keep your organization secure and compliant.
Black Box, White Box, and Grey Box Penetration Testing
While PCI DSS permits all three penetration testing methodologies, our expertise ensures you select the approach that maximizes security validation while meeting compliance requirements efficiently. Every methodology serves different objectives, and we guide you toward the optimal choice for your unique environment.
Expert PCI Pentesting Guidance
Navigate PCI testing options with confidence
The PCI Security Standards Council recommends white box or grey box testing for most comprehensive results, but the right choice depends on your unique environment. Our consultative approach evaluates your infrastructure, compliance goals, and resource constraints to recommend the methodology that best serves your organization.
Maximize your security investment
Our PCI penetration testing services offer complete flexibility across black box, white box, and grey box methodologies. Whether you need external threat simulation, comprehensive internal assessment, or balanced hybrid testing, we tailor our approach to your specific compliance and security objectives.
Go beyond compliance checkboxes
While many providers default to basic black box testing, our methodology selection process considers your actual risk profile, compliance timeline, and business objectives to recommend the testing approach that delivers maximum value.
Transform testing complexity into strategic advantage
Our deep understanding of each methodology’s strengths and limitations ensures you invest in testing that strengthens security posture while satisfying auditor requirements and stakeholder expectations.
Differences Between PCI and Standard Penetration Testing
Scope and Focus
PCI Penetration Testing: Focuses specifically on the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE), including systems, networks, and applications that store, process, or transmit cardholder data, as mandated by PCI DSS.
Standard Penetration Testing: Covers a broader scope, potentially including the entire IT infrastructure, applications, or even non-technical elements like social engineering, based on organizational needs.
Compliance Requirements
PCI Penetration Testing: A mandatory requirement under PCI DSS Requirement 11.4, ensuring adherence to strict standards for protecting cardholder data.
Standard Penetration Testing: Considered a best practice but not always mandatory, unless required by other frameworks or organizational policies.
Reporting and Remediation
PCI Penetration Testing: Reports are tailored for PCI assessors, detailing compliance with PCI DSS, vulnerabilities impacting cardholder data, remediation steps, and often segmentation test results. Retesting is typically required to validate fixes.
Standard Penetration Testing: Reports are less prescriptive, focusing on general security improvements, with remediation and retesting varying based on organizational goals
Frequency
PCI Penetration Testing: Required at least annually or after significant changes to the infrastructure or applications, as per PCI DSS.
Standard Penetration Testing: Frequency depends on the organization’s risk appetite, budget, or internal security roadmap.
Cost and Duration Considerations
Cost Estimates
PCI penetration testing costs typically range from $3,000 to $50,000, depending on several factors:
- Environment Complexity: Larger or more intricate cardholder data environments require more extensive testing, increasing costs.
- Testing Scope: Testing internal networks, external systems, or both impacts pricing.
- Methodology Choice: Black-box testing is often more cost-effective due to minimal prior research, while white-box testing, though more comprehensive, may increase costs due to its depth.
- Additional Services: Optional services like social engineering, wireless testing, or application-specific assessments can affect the overall price.
For precise budgeting, we recommend requesting a custom quote. Our team will assess your specific requirements and provide a clear, upfront cost estimate.
Project Duration
The duration of a PCI penetration test typically ranges from three days to several weeks, influenced by:
- Environment Size: Larger networks or complex systems take longer to assess thoroughly.
- Testing Methodology: Black-box testing is generally faster, while white-box testing requires more time for in-depth analysis.
- Scope of Engagement: Testing multiple systems or including additional assessments (e.g., segmentation testing) extends the timeline.
Our experts work efficiently to minimize disruption while ensuring comprehensive testing. We’ll provide a detailed timeline during the scoping phase.
Ongoing and Hidden Costs
Achieving PCI DSS compliance doesn’t end with the initial test. Consider these potential ongoing costs:
- Remediation Efforts: Addressing vulnerabilities may require software updates, configuration changes, or new security controls.
- Retesting: After remediation, retesting is often necessary to verify fixes and maintain compliance.
- Compliance Maintenance: Ongoing staff training, system monitoring, and periodic testing are essential to stay compliant, particularly for smaller organizations with limited resources.
Raxis offers post-test support and flexible retesting options to help you manage these costs effectively.