Reputation Layer · PCI QSA Market
Reputation Benchmark · PCI QSA Vendors
7Security vs named benchmark vendors across five signals that actually drive PCI buying: search visibility, social proof, transparency, ecosystem status and educational footprint.
Vendor: 7Security
Snapshot: OSINT & public sources
Overall reputation score (vs global leaders): ~6.8 / 10
Vendor snapshot: 7Security (AT)
Current public picture
• Fintech-focused PCI QSA consultancy from Austria (2014, Vienna + Sofia).
• Certified for PCI DSS, PCI 3DS, PCI PIN, PCI SSF, ISO 27001 and related schemes.
• Exceptional client satisfaction on G2 & Clutch (4.9–5.0 / 5) in the fintech/startup segment.
• Public footprint and analyst visibility are much lower than global enterprise PCI leaders.
Axis-by-axis comparison
Each card shows: named benchmark vendor(s), where 7Security sits now, the gap size, and practical moves to close it.
1. Public presence & search visibility
⚠️ Critical Gap
Benchmark · Coalfire (USA, enterprise PCI) & VikingCloud
High · Dominant for “PCI audit” queries, regular PR, events and media across US & EU.
7Security
Focused · Visible for branded and niche fintech searches, absent in generic PCI discovery.
Leaders
≈ 9 / 10
7Sec
≈ 3 / 10
Gap: ~70% lower broad visibility
How to fix
  • SEO clusters for “PCI for fintech EU” + “PCI for issuers/acquirers” (EN + DE).
  • 2–3 PR moments per year tied to Money20/20.
2. Independent reviews & social proof
🏆 Market Leader
Benchmark · Insight Assurance (G2 category leader)
Very strong · 4.8–4.9 / 5 based on ~90+ G2 reviews, multiple sectors.
7Security
Exceptional · 4.9–5.0 / 5 on G2 & Clutch, focused on fintech, retention ~99%.
Leaders
≈ 9.5 / 10
7Sec
≈ 8.5 / 10
Gap: volume & diversity of proof
How to extend leadership
  • Add 15–20 new verified reviews per year from Tier 1–2 EU markets.
  • Tag reviews by segment: issuer, acquirer, EMI.
3. Transparency of work & narratives
🛠️ Needs Optimization
Benchmark · Integrity360 / Adsigo
High · Public PCI case stories with scope & impact framing.
7Security
Partial · Only a few anonymised stories visible externally.
Leaders
≈ 8 / 10
7Sec
≈ 5–6 / 10
Gap: missing “zero to certificate” narratives
To improve
  • Publish 2–3 anonymised PCI L1 journeys with realistic timelines.
  • Show typical playbook for fintechs.
4. Ecosystem & Analyst Recognition
⚠️ Critical Gap
Benchmark · Razorthorn & VikingCloud
Medium/High · Recognised in analyst research & network lists.
7Security
Low · Little presence in formal maps or landscapes.
Leaders
≈ 8 / 10
7Sec
≈ 3–4 / 10
Gap: lack of “authority badges”
Recommended moves
  • 1–2 analyst briefings per year (EU cyber / fintech).
  • Targeted submissions to EU fintech landscapes.
5. Educational footprint
🛠️ Needs Optimization
Benchmark · Coalfire & Vanta
Active · Continuous flow of guides & playbooks.
7Security
Moderate · Strong founder persona, but low content cadence.
Leaders
≈ 8 / 10
7Sec
≈ 4–5 / 10
Gap: expertise not compounding
How to strengthen
  • Convert every talk into 1 article + posts.
  • Launch “PCI for first-time fintech founders” series.
Benchmarked Layer: Awareness
The scores above reflect how successfully 7Security enters the buyer’s mind via these four key discovery channels. If visibility here is low, the downstream sales process is starved of leads.
You are here
1. Awareness & Discovery Do buyers know you exist?
2. Consideration
3. Scoping
4. Selection
Feed channels (Inputs)
Reach
Search Intent
Buyers searching "PCI consultant Europe". Driven by SEO & content visibility.
Trust
Peer Referrals
"Who did you use?" Recommendations from investors & CTO peers.
Expertise
Thought Leadership
Talks, LinkedIn & guides that pre-sell your competence before the first call.
Status
Ecosystem Listings
Presence in official partner directories and analyst reports.
Analysis: Currently, 7Security relies heavily on Referrals (strong) but is missing opportunities in Search and Ecosystem channels compared to market leaders.