PCI DSS Made Easy for Small Professional Services—How Bento Security Supports Third-Party Payment Users

Accepting credit cards can help professional services firms—from veterinary clinics to consultants—offer faster, more convenient payment methods. But if you use a third-party system or virtual terminal for your transactions, you may be wondering, “Do I even need to worry about PCI compliance?” The short answer is yes, but it can be simpler than you think—especially with Bento Security at your side. Here’s how to figure out the minimal PCI steps required and how Bento’s solutions make compliance painless.

Start by documenting how your business actually handles payments:

• Do your staff ever see or key-in credit card details?

• Does your website redirect customers to a fully hosted payment page?

• Does your in-office point-of-sale system belong to a third-party vendor, with no card info passing through your network?

If you truly do not store, process, or transmit any card data on your own systems—and merely use a third-party or virtual terminal—this typically puts you in SAQ A territory, meaning you only need to fill out a minimal self-assessment questionnaire. However, if your environment affects or touches payment card data in any way—for instance, capturing or storing details briefly—you’ll have a bit more to handle.

How Bento Helps:
We’ll confirm your payment flow through a streamlined discovery process. Our experts and automation software identify every connection point (e.g., laptops, networks, websites, and staff practices) to see if they interact with payment data. You get a clear scope that outlines whether you’re responsible for a short PCI SAQ or a more thorough set of controls.

Even if you fully outsource payment processing, a small set of security practices help you prove compliance and protect against data exposure:

1. Proper Access Controls – Ensure only authorized employees can log into the virtual terminal or manage payment settings.

2. Clean Workstations – Confirm devices used for payment management are patched, with antivirus enabled, and free of unnecessary software.

3. Network Segregation – If a point-of-sale device shares your office Wi-Fi, confirm it’s segmented from your guest or employee networks.

4. Policies & Training – Staff need guidelines to avoid writing down or storing card details—accidental or otherwise.

How Bento Helps:
With our integrated IT Management and Cybersecurity approach, Bento configures the endpoints you use for remote payment solutions. We’ll set up and monitor your firewall policies, handle patching, and train your staff to follow safe handling rules. All of these tasks get tracked in Bento Assurance HQ, ensuring you’re always prepared to show your compliance posture.

PCI DSS outlines a number of SAQ types, each with different requirements. For firms that fully outsource payments and never store card data, SAQ A is usually enough. Here’s a quick rundown of what that means:

• SAQ A:

  • No onsite handling of card data.

  • All payments hosted by a PCI-compliant third party or handled entirely offsite.

  • Controls revolve around managing relationships with service providers and ensuring you don’t inadvertently store anything.

If you sometimes handle phone payments with a virtual terminal, you might also qualify for SAQ C-VT, which covers additional basics but still remains minimal. If you’re not sure, we’ll help you figure it out.

How Bento Helps:
Bento Assurance HQ includes step-by-step SAQ support. Our system will walk you through the sections relevant to your scenario and prefill evidence from existing data, so you spend less time on paperwork and more time on your clients.

Even though you outsource, PCI DSS holds you accountable for ensuring your providers meet security requirements. Check if:

• Your payment processor is on the official PCI-compliant service providers list.

• You have a written agreement confirming the provider’s PCI responsibilities.

• You regularly collect proof (e.g., an Attestation of Compliance) that they remain PCI compliant.

How Bento Helps:
We maintain a directory of reputable, PCI-compliant providers and automate reminders to request up-to-date Attestations of Compliance (AOCs) from them. Our platform logs each provider’s compliance evidence so you’re always audit-ready.

PCI DSS is not a one-and-done deal. Even if your own obligations are small, you still need a security mindset:

• Schedule regular vulnerability scans (especially if any devices on your network handle payment data traffic).

• Train staff on new phishing trends or social engineering tactics that could expose credentials.

• Update policies whenever you adopt new technologies or services.

How Bento Helps:
By integrating NIST Cybersecurity Framework controls into our approach, we help you maintain a robust security posture. Our unified console flags potential risks, tracks incidents, and ensures that routine tasks—like patching or revalidating vendor compliance—happen on schedule.

1. Tailored for Smaller Firms
   We cater to professional services—like vet clinics, law firms, accountants—where convenience is key, and the in-house IT team is often small or non-existent.

2. NIST + PCI Combined
   Our unique approach weaves the best of NIST CSF with PCI DSS. You build a broad security foundation, while easily meeting compliance checkboxes.

3. Automation & Tracking
   Bento Assurance HQ replaces spreadsheets and guesswork. You get real-time dashboards that show exactly where you stand against each relevant PCI requirement.

4. Expert Guidance
   From scoping your payment environment to collecting the right evidence, our specialists step in so you can focus on your core business.

Whether you run a busy veterinary practice or a growing consulting firm, Bento Security demystifies PCI DSS. We’ll show you how to limit your liability, maintain tight security, and demonstrate compliance using the fewest steps possible. Contact us today to learn how we can keep both your payments and reputation secure—while lightening the compliance load for you.