Yearly penetration testing for trading platform
Ensuring PCI DSS compliance for a secure trading experience
The requirements
When financial transactions are your business, security is a non-negotiable.
Capital.com processes large volumes of sensitive cardholder data every single day. So, to maintain PCI DSS compliance, they needed annual penetration testing covering their servers, applications, APIs, and payment infrastructure.
IDS’ objectives were to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do, validate the strength of payment security controls, protect cardholder data across the globally used trading platform, and to ensure the organisation meets mandatory PCI DSS testing requirements with zero gaps.
The project at-a-glance
- IDS Group provided critical oversight by executing recurring penetration tests to protect cardholder data and high-volume transaction flows.
- Specialists neutralised risks across payment gateways and APIs through comprehensive threat detection.
- The team validated encryption and storage protocols to ensure all data safeguarding exceeded global regulatory standards.
- Our experts hardened digital defenses to prevent fraud and maintain the operational integrity of the trading marketplace.
- IDS delivered the technical evidence and remediation guidance required for a seamless and gap-free certification process.
Our solution
We delivered a comprehensive, PCI-mapped penetration testing programme tailored to Capital.com’s complex environment.
1. PCI DSS scoping and system mapping
We worked closely with the Capital.com team to understand their end-to-end payment flow, define in-scope assets, and align testing methodology with PCI DSS requirements.
2. Network and application layer testing
Simulating real-world threats, we tested infrastructure, web applications, and mobile endpoints targeting payment workflows, cardholder data storage, access management controls, API interaction points.
3. Database and data security assessment
We examined encryption, access controls, and data integrity to ensure stored financial information met PCI DSS’s strictest guidelines.
4. Reporting and remediation support
IDS provided detailed vulnerability reports with actionable remediation steps, giving Capital.com clear guidance to strengthen defences ahead of their PCI audit.
The results
- PCI DSS compliance confirmed
- Critical issues were identified and remediated, significantly hardening their security posture.
- Strengthened encryption, improved access controls, and tighter data handling reduced exposure to potential breaches.
- A demonstrably secure trading platform reinforced Capital.com’s reputation as a safe, compliant financial service provider.
“IDS Group’s penetration testing was instrumental in securing our payment systems and maintaining PCI DSS compliance. Their expertise not only reduced our risk exposure but also reinforced our commitment to data security and customer trust.” My team also comprised EY, Axiom and IBM professionals, and in terms of the quality of the work, I found IDS consistently planned and executed more effectively. I would have no hesitation in recommending them for a secure large enterprise project.
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