Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every corner of the digital world from automating repetitive tasks to detecting anomalies in real time. However, when it comes to something as important and nuanced as compliance assessments, and in the PCI space, introducing AI is not as simple as just adding a chatbot and calling it a day.
Recently, the PCI Security Standards Council published its first official guidance on using AI in assessments. The guidance establishes that there is some openness toward innovation but, while there is a role for AI, it is not intended to be the lead.
So, what does this mean for organizations navigating PCI assessments? And for cybersecurity teams integrating AI into their workflows? Here’s what you need to know.
AI Can Support the Process But Can’t Lead
The most important takeaway from the guidance? AI is an assistant, not a decision-maker. It can help review large datasets, compile structured documentation, and even assist with summarizing assessment interviews. But when it comes to interpreting data or making judgment calls, the responsibility still lies with qualified professionals.
In practical terms, this means that your AI can identify potential risk or variations but cannot verify if your organization has specific security requirements.
Human Oversight Isn’t Optional — It’s a necessity
Every output generated by an AI tool must go through human validation. Whether it’s reviewing documentation, analyzing control effectiveness, or preparing final reports, human oversight is mandatory.
At CyberCube Services, we see this as a reinforcement of a principle we already live by: cybersecurity is a human-led effort. AI may accelerate the process, but it’s the human expertise that ensures accuracy, integrity, and context especially when safeguarding sensitive payment data.
Transparency Is the New Standard
Using AI during assessments? Then you must be transparent about it not just internally, but with your clients too.
This includes:
- Clearly show how and where AI is used in the process
- Explaining what types of data it processes
- Outlining how AI outputs are reviewed and validated
For businesses developing or deploying AI tools, this is a call to establish well-documented AI policies, implement client consent workflows, and ensure full visibility across the board. It’s no longer just about what AI can do — it’s about how responsibly it’s being used.
AI Governance Is a Must-Have
The most significant takeaway from the PCI Council’s guidance is the need for AI-specific governance. If you're allowing your AI systems to interact with sensitive security workflows, it's time to set clear internal guardrails. These guardrails should include:
- Ensuring tools are tested for accuracy and reliability
- Preventing AI from training on or retaining sensitive data
- Defining roles and protocols for reviewing AI-generated content
This is especially important if you’re using AI for log monitoring, risk assessments, or workflow automation. The Council made it clear: AI should never be allowed to “learn” from compliance data or make independent decisions.
The Bottom Line: Use AI to Augment, Not Automate
This new guidance is more than a policy update — it’s a directional shift for how the cybersecurity industry will be expected to engage with AI. It doesn’t discourage innovation — it demands responsible innovation.
At CyberCube Services we believe AI is best employed in augmentation. When implemented correctly, AI can significantly reduce the noise and enhance consistency, But the foundation of any trustworthy security process — especially one dealing with compliance — will always be human expertise.
What Should You Do Next?
If your organization is using or planning to use AI for any security or compliance-related functions, now is the time to take stock of the situation:
- Reassess any current AI use cases
- Create explicit policies and human oversight
- Communicate AI deployment intention clearly to clients
In today’s world of AI tools, the tools will change, but accountability still belongs to people.