In Sri Lanka, the rise of digital payments and IT services has made compliance with global standards like PCI DSS and ISO 27001 essential. Whether you’re a fintech startup in Colombo or a retailer in Kandy, protecting customer data is critical to avoid breaches and penalties. Compliance isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about building trust and securing your business.
At Foerte we help Sri Lankan organizations navigate compliance with tailored support. This guide offers a step-by-step roadmap to achieve PCI DSS (for payment security) and ISO 27001 (for information security management), customized for Sri Lanka’s unique regulatory and business landscape.
Why Compliance Matters in Sri Lanka
PCI DSS ensures secure handling of card payments, vital for Sri Lanka’s growing e-commerce and banking sectors. ISO 27001 establishes a robust Information Security Management System (ISMS), aligning with the Personal Data Protection Act No. 9 of 2022 (PDPA). Non-compliance can lead to:
- Financial penalties: Up to LKR 10 million under PDPA for data breaches.
- Reputation loss: Damaging customer trust in competitive markets like Colombo.
- Global barriers: Losing international clients who demand compliance.
With SL-CERT reporting a 40% increase in cyber incidents in 2024, compliance is a business imperative.
Step 1: Conduct a Gap Analysis
Begin by assessing your current practices against PCI DSS and ISO 27001 requirements.
- PCI DSS: Identify the right Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) from the PCI Security Standards Council website. For example, small online retailers in Sri Lanka may use SAQ-A for card-not-present transactions.
- ISO 27001: Compare your processes to Annex A controls, such as access control or incident response, and align with PDPA’s data protection rules.
- Local Tip: Contact SL-CERT for free resources on gap analysis tailored to Sri Lankan regulations. They offer templates to map compliance needs for SMEs.
Focus on high-risk areas, like unsecured payment systems or unprotected customer databases, common in local businesses.
Step 2: Implement Core Controls
Address key requirements to close gaps.
- PCI DSS Requirement 6 (Secure Software): Ensure software used in payment processing, like e-commerce platforms, is regularly updated and tested for vulnerabilities. For example, check that your website’s payment gateway follows secure practices.
- ISO 27001 A.9 (Access Control): Restrict access to sensitive data, such as customer records, to authorized staff only. Use role-based access systems to limit who can view or edit data, a common issue in Sri Lankan SMEs with shared logins.
Local Context: Many local businesses lack formal access controls. Start by assigning unique logins for employees and limiting admin access.
Step 3: Train Staff and Document Policies
Compliance requires a security-aware workforce.
- Policies: Create an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlining rules for email, internet, and data handling. Ensure it complies with PDPA’s requirements for protecting personal information.
- Training: Conduct regular sessions to teach employees about phishing scams, which SL-CERT notes increased by 25% in 2024. Use real-world examples, like fake SMS targeting mobile banking users in Sri Lanka.
- Documentation: Keep detailed records of policies and training sessions, as both standards require proof of compliance. Store these securely, either on local servers or trusted Sri Lankan cloud providers.
Pro Tip: Translate policies into Sinhala and Tamil to ensure all employees, especially in diverse regions like Jaffna or Galle, understand them.
Step 4: Audit and Certify
Formal audits confirm your compliance.
- PCI DSS: Engage a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) recognized by the PCI SSC. Smaller businesses can start with an internal review using the SAQ to prepare.
- ISO 27001: Hire a certified lead auditor, such as those offered by local firms like SGS Sri Lanka, to verify your ISMS.
- Preparation: Conduct internal checks to ensure systems are updated and policies are followed. Fix issues like weak passwords or outdated software before the audit.
Local Note: SL-CERT provides guidelines to align audits with PDPA, helping businesses meet both local and global standards.
Step 5: Maintain Compliance with Continuous Monitoring
Compliance is ongoing, not a one-time task.
- Monitoring: Regularly review logs for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access attempts. Use affordable tools to track system changes in real-time.
- Reviews: Perform quarterly vulnerability scans for PCI DSS and annual ISMS reviews for ISO 27001. Align with PDPA’s requirement to report data breaches within 72 hours.
- Local Advantage: Leverage Sri Lankan cloud providers like Dialog Axiata, which offer PDPA-compliant hosting to simplify secure data storage.
Key Takeaway
PCI DSS and ISO 27001 compliance protect Sri Lankan businesses from cyber threats and regulatory fines while building customer trust. It’s a continuous effort, but Foerte makes it achievable with expert guidance tailored to Sri Lanka’s needs. Ready to secure your business in Colombo, Kandy, or beyond? Start your compliance journey with us.
