An ASV scanner (Approved Scanning Vendor scanner) is a specialized tool for automated external vulnerability scanning used to meet the requirements of the PCI DSS standard. An ASV scanner is used to check publicly accessible IT systems for known vulnerabilities and configuration errors that could lead to the compromise of payment card data.
The term ASV does not refer to specific software, but to the status of the provider and its scanning solution. An ASV scanner must be provided by a company that is officially approved as an Approved Scanning Vendor. Only the results of such scans are considered valid for PCI DSS compliance.
Purpose of an ASV scanner
The primary purpose of an ASV scanner is the regular assessment of the external security perimeter of organizations that process, transmit, or store payment card data. Scanning helps identify vulnerabilities in web servers, network services, SSL/TLS configurations, and other internet-facing components.
An ASV scanner is used as a mandatory security control for organizations subject to PCI DSS requirements. Scans must be performed at least quarterly and after any significant changes to the infrastructure.
How an ASV scanner works
An ASV scanner performs automated external scanning of the customer’s IP addresses and domains. During the scan, open ports, service versions, protocol configurations, and known vulnerabilities are analyzed. The results are compared against an up-to-date vulnerability database and PCI DSS requirements.
Following the scan, a report is generated that lists identified issues, their severity, and the compliance status. To successfully pass the assessment, the report must have a “Pass” status, indicating that no vulnerabilities violating the standard have been detected.
What an ASV scanner checks
An ASV scanner is focused on identifying technical vulnerabilities in the external perimeter. Typically, it checks:
- the presence of known vulnerabilities in network and web services
- the correctness of SSL/TLS configurations and certificates
- the use of outdated or insecure protocols
- configuration errors exposed to the internet
At the same time, an ASV scanner does not replace a full penetration test and does not identify logical vulnerabilities or issues within internal infrastructure.
The role of an ASV scanner in PCI DSS
An ASV scanner is a formal requirement of the PCI DSS standard for most organizations that handle payment cards. Its use confirms that the organization regularly checks its external perimeter and remediates critical vulnerabilities. Without a successful ASV scan report, it is not possible to properly pass a PCI DSS compliance audit.
It is important to note that ASV scanning represents a minimum level of security control. It should be complemented by internal scanning, penetration testing, and other security measures.
Where ASV scanners are used
ASV scanners are used in e-commerce, financial services, processing centers, hosting and cloud platforms, and by service providers that handle card payments. They are applied to assess online stores, payment gateways, public APIs, and other external systems.
Benefits of using an ASV scanner
Key benefits of an ASV scanner include:
- compliance with mandatory PCI DSS requirements
- regular monitoring of the external security perimeter
- an automated and repeatable assessment process
- a formalized report recognized by auditors
At the same time, an ASV scanner does not replace manual security assessments and should be considered part of a comprehensive information security program.