PCI DSS-Compliant Payment Processing Platform (PCI DSS v4.0)

Category: Compliance

Architecture diagram

High-level view of the main components and data/control flows.

Low-level architecture diagram (Visio-style)

Implementation view (networking, security, ops). Click to open full size.

Low-level architecture details

Step-by-step implementation

Step 1/6

Define PCI scope and segmentation

• Minimize scope: tokenize early, avoid storing PAN.
• Create a dedicated PCI subscription/RGs and networks.
• Define network segmentation and jump host access.

Validation checklist

• Stakeholders have signed off the scope, SLAs, and data/security requirements.
• You have documented naming standards, environments, and ownership (RACI).

Step 2/6

Build PCI network zone

• Hub-spoke or isolated VNet with strict NSGs.
• Use Firewall/WAF, DDoS, and restricted outbound.
• Use private endpoints to PaaS.

Validation checklist

• The target VNet/subnets/peerings/UDRs/NSGs are deployed with no errors.
• Connectivity test passes (e.g., Network Watcher connection troubleshoot / ping between subnets where allowed).
• Egress is controlled (traffic observed in Firewall logs if applicable).

Step 3/6

Key management and encryption

• Use Key Vault or Managed HSM for keys.
• Enable CMK where required.
• Rotate keys and certificates with auditable procedures.

Validation checklist

• Security baseline applied (Defender/Policy/WAF/Firewall rules as applicable).
• No public endpoints unless explicitly approved; private endpoints verified where applicable.
• Alerts are configured for high-risk events.

Step 4/6

Logging, monitoring, and retention

• Enable diagnostics for all components.
• Centralize logs into SIEM; ensure immutability where required.
• Alert on suspicious activities and access to cardholder systems.

Validation checklist

• Logs and metrics are flowing (check Log Analytics / Monitor).
• Alerts trigger correctly (test alert path to email/Teams/ITSM).

Step 5/6

Continuous compliance with Azure Policy

• Assign the built-in PCI DSS v4.0 initiative.
• Remediate non-compliant resources.
• Generate evidence reports for auditors.

Validation checklist

• RBAC/roles are assigned to Entra groups (no direct user assignments).
• Policies/labels/lineage settings are enabled as required.
• Audit logs are enabled and flowing to the central workspace/SIEM.

Step 6/6

Security testing and audits

• Run vulnerability scans and penetration tests.
• Verify change management and access reviews.
• Conduct annual PCI assessments and quarterly ASV scans.

Validation checklist

• UAT completed with representative users and scenarios.
• Performance meets baseline; issues tracked and remediated.

Video tutorials

• Azure Videos (Compliance) — search: PCI DSS / Regulatory Compliance
• Azure Friday playlist (search: Azure Policy / compliance)

References

• Azure Policy PCI DSS v4.0 built-in initiative
• Azure security documentation