Unraveling the New PCI FAQ: How TPSPs and Merchants Can Enhance Security for SAQ A Compliance

The PCI DSS v4.0.1 SAQ A r1 update, taking effect on April 1, 2025, introduces a significant shift for e-commerce merchants. Under the new criteria, merchants must confirm their site is not susceptible to script-based attacks. This responsibility was previously handled through explicit security requirements in earlier PCI DSS versions.

Some security experts identified a gap in previous PCI versions where iframes did not require an ASV scan, particularly under version 3.2.1. With the introduction of version 4.0.1 r1, this requirement has now been added for affected merchants. This change impacts Third-Party Service Providers (TPSPs) and merchants as the industry moves toward a more secure payment ecosystem for all stakeholders.

However, a newly released FAQ from the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) clarifies how merchants can meet this requirement. The solution?

✅ Manually implementing PCI DSS techniques to protect their website

✅ Or obtaining confirmation from their TPSP/payment processor that protections are built-in.

This update puts increased pressure on both merchants and TPSPs to ensure compliance—but Payments Guardian eliminates this burden by offering built-in, automated compliance solutions.

📌 For a deep dive into SAQ A changes, read our original blog post: MIA Streamline SAQ A r1 (2025)

What the New PCI FAQ Clarifies

FAQ #1588, released by PCI SSC, confirms that e-commerce merchants must actively validate their site’s security against script-based attacks.

To meet SAQ A eligibility criteria, merchants must either:

1️⃣ Use security techniques (from PCI DSS requirements 6.4.3 and 11.6.1) to prevent unauthorized scripts.

2️⃣ Obtain confirmation from their PCI DSS-compliant TPSP/payment processor that the embedded payment page/form already includes protections.

📌 Important:

• This requirement only applies to e-commerce merchants that use an embedded payment page (iframe) from a TPSP or payment processor.

• Merchants using full-page redirects (HTTP 30x, JavaScript, meta redirects) or email payment links are NOT affected by the new SAQ A script requirement—but that does not mean they are immune to attacks.

  
  

The Problem for Merchants & TPSPs

• Most payment processors don’t handle script security—they only process transactions.

• Many TPSPs don’t currently offer built-in protections, forcing merchants to either:

  ✅ Implement technical security measures themselves (which most merchants can’t do)

  ❌ Or risk failing SAQ A validation

  
  

This is where Payments Guardian provides the perfect solution for merchants and TPSPs.

How Payments Guardian Solves This for Both Merchants & TPSPs

For Merchants:

🔹 Payments Guardian + MIA eliminates the compliance burden.

🔹 Automated script monitoring ensures merchants’ sites remain secure.

🔹 No need to manually implement PCI security techniques—MIA does it for you.

For TPSPs:

🔹 Offer Payments Guardian’s security layer to your merchants—without handling payments.

🔹 Ensure your merchants meet SAQ A requirements effortlessly.

🔹 Stay ahead of compliance changes by integrating MIA into your solution.

With MIA, TPSPs can provide built-in security, automatically ensuring their merchants pass SAQ A compliance.

Beyond Compliance: Why MIA Protects More Than Just SAQ A

While PCI DSS does not require security measures for payment links or full-page redirects, that does not mean those payment flows are risk-free.

💡 Attackers can still manipulate payment links, hijack redirects, or inject malicious scripts—putting merchants and customers at risk.

MIA Protects Against These Advanced Threats

✅ Client-Side Script Protection: MIA actively scans and blocks unauthorized scripts in the end user’s browser, preventing data theft or malicious injections.

✅ Payment Redirection Attack Prevention: Even though PCI DSS doesn’t regulate payment links, MIA monitors for unauthorized changes to redirections and checkout flows, preventing fraud.

✅ Stops Magecart & JavaScript-Based Attacks: Unlike standard PCI compliance tools, MIA proactively detects and prevents unauthorized data collection, keeping merchant sites safe.

Why This Matters:

• Just because PCI DSS doesn’t regulate payment links today doesn’t mean attackers won’t exploit them.

• Merchants who rely on payment links or redirects still need security to prevent hijacking.

• MIA provides an extra layer of protection beyond what’s required—securing merchants from ALL client-side threats.

  
  

Why This Matters: The Risk of Non-Compliance

🚨 If a TPSP doesn’t provide script protections, their merchants could fail SAQ A validation.

This means:

❌ Merchants may be forced to switch to a more compliant provider.

❌ Merchants might have to implement complex security controls themselves, increasing frustration.

❌ Higher compliance costs and penalties could result from non-compliance.

📌 TPSPs integrating MIA can avoid these risks while offering merchants an easy, automated solution.

Future-Proof SAQ A Compliance Today

🚀 Stay ahead of compliance changes—partner with Payments Guardian today!

📌 Read our full breakdown of SAQ A changes here: LINK TO EXISTING BLOG📌 Are you a TPSP? Contact us for enterprise pricing and learn how you can integrate MIA into your solution.

⚡ Ready to Simplify SAQ A Compliance?

Whether you’re a merchant looking to automate your PCI reporting or a TPSP ready to embed MIA into your platform, Payments Guardian makes it easy to stay ahead of evolving requirements.

👉 Get Started Today — Future-proof your business with built-in security, seamless integration, and unmatched support.

No stress. No guesswork. It's just compliant by default. 🔒✅