The latest PCI DSS SAQ A r1 update (January 2025) has removed explicit requirements 6.4.3, 11.6.1, and 12.3.1, shifting responsibility onto merchants to confirm their e-commerce systems are not vulnerable to script-based attacks. While many payment providers now leave merchants with the burden of compliance, Payments Guardian remains the only provider that fully automates these security functions through our Merchant Intelligence Assistant (MIA).
MIA: The Only Automated Compliance Solution for SAQ A r1
Even though these requirements have been removed from the latest version of SAQ A, the underlying security risks still exist. MIA is designed to meet these risks head-on, ensuring merchants remain eligible for SAQ A while maintaining top-tier security. Here’s how:
1. Script Monitoring & Integrity Assurance (Previously 6.4.3)
Automated Script Justification: MIA continuously segments and justifies scripts executed in the consumer’s browser, ensuring only authorized and necessary scripts are running.
Prevents Unauthorized Script Injection: MIA is a proactive security layer that reduces merchants’ attack risk by blocking unauthorized or potentially harmful scripts.
Eligibility Confirmation: SAQ A r1 now requires merchants to prove their website is not susceptible to malicious scripts. MIA handles this process automatically, ensuring merchants stay compliant without manual intervention.
2. Unauthorized Script Detection & Change Monitoring (Previously 11.6.1)
Real-Time Threat Monitoring: MIA continuously scans for unauthorized script changes in e-commerce environments.
Automated Alerts & Incident Response: MIA immediately alerts Payments Guardian’s security team for review if an unrecognized or suspicious script is detected.
Proactive Compliance Maintenance: Although requirement 11.6.1 has been removed, SAQ A merchants must still prevent and detect unauthorized scripts. MIA ensures merchants meet this implied requirement seamlessly.
3. Risk Assessments & Policy Enforcement (Previously 12.3.1)
Automated Compliance Logging: MIA provides continuous risk assessments, logging, and reporting, allowing merchants to demonstrate compliance effortlessly.
Simplified Attestation Process: MIA provides merchants with pre-generated compliance evidence by automating compliance validation, ensuring their SAQ A eligibility remains intact.
Why This Matters for Merchants & Payment Providers
Other providers now require merchants to manually confirm their compliance, which leaves businesses vulnerable and uncertain.
Payments Guardian is the only provider offering automated compliance through MIA, reducing risk and simplifying the process.
SAQ A merchants using Payments Guardian don’t have to worry about compliance shifts—MIA covers them.
The Bottom Line
Even though SAQ A r1 shifts responsibility to the merchant through eligibility confirmation, MIA still covers those security requirements in practice. It automates compliance for Payments Guardian merchants, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria without additional manual work or uncertainty.
This means Payments Guardian remains ahead of compliance changes, and MIA continues to be a key differentiator in simplifying PCI DSS compliance for e-commerce merchants.
Ready to future-proof your compliance? Contact Payments Guardian today to see how MIA can secure your business and SAQ A-ready!
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