PCI DSS compliance: The route most NZ businesses miss

Kiwis are naturally resourceful. Kayak strapped to the car roof, chilly bin packed, trip funded by a sausage sizzle outside Bunnings, and enough confidence to figure the rest out along the way. But when it comes to PCI DSS compliance, that resourcefulness splits in three. Some businesses spend like they have hired a helicopter to fly a route they could have driven in a car. Others set off with no map, no fuel, and ‘all good, mate’ attitude. And some start the engine and never leave the car park.

Read More

From iced matcha tea to qualification: The rollercoaster ride to becoming a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)

Axenic PCI QSA JourneyAlways remember this -> Without ambition, one starts nothing. Without work, one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

If you’re reading this blog, you probably already have some experience with security standards and certifications – maybe you even hold a few yourself. In this blog, I will shed some light on my own journey to gain the QSA qualification and break down the steps I took to make this happen. 

Read More



What does a 1300km lockdown drive have in common with PCI?

“How does driving a 1,300km journey during the COVID-19 lockdown relate to PCI compliance?” I hear you say…

As those of you who know me, or have seen me present will know, I love a good metaphor.

Over Easter weekend I had the somewhat surreal experience of driving the 1,300km journey from home to Auckland International Airport and back again during New Zealand’s level 4 COVID-19 lockdown. On the trip home I was reflecting and couldn’t help thinking about the similarities between the lockdown, making this a safe compliant trip and PCI DSS compliance.

Read More