Our Story
PaySec was founded to bring enterprise-grade payments security expertise to organisations of all sizes. We recognised that many businesses struggle with the complexity of PCI compliance and payment security—not because they lack commitment, but because they lack access to the deep, practical expertise needed to navigate this specialised field.
Our team combines decades of experience across the payments security landscape: from software development and penetration testing to PCI assessments and global training delivery. We’ve worked inside the organisations that define payment security standards, and we bring that insider perspective to every engagement.
Leadership
Gareth Bowker, Founder
A technologist at heart, Gareth has focused on information security in the payments space for over 20 years. An effective communicator, he is equally at ease discussing strategy at an executive level or reviewing firewall rulesets with IT staff.
Gareth’s career spans software development, penetration testing, PCI DSS security assessments of merchants and service providers, and assessments of Visa- and Mastercard-authorised card production facilities.
Before founding PaySec, Gareth worked for the PCI Security Standards Council, initially developing and delivering technical training, then directing their training programmes worldwide. He was responsible for the security of their operations infrastructure and developed the technical requirements for their online payments acceptance.
Gareth has presented at several PCI SSC Community Meetings and answered technical questions from the payments community at online and in-person Assessor Sessions.
Our Expertise
Our team holds certifications and qualifications including:
- CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- PCIP – Payment Card Industry Professional
- Former QSA – Qualified Security Assessor
- Former PA-QSA – Payment Application Qualified Security Assessor
Beyond certifications, we bring practical experience that comes from years of hands-on work: implementing security controls, conducting assessments, training other assessors, and advising organisations through complex compliance challenges.
Our Approach
We believe effective security consulting requires more than technical knowledge. It requires the ability to understand your business context, communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels, and provide practical guidance that can actually be implemented.
We don’t just tell you what the standards say—we help you understand what they mean for your specific situation and how to achieve compliance in a way that strengthens your overall security posture.
Company Details
PaySec Ltd. is registered in Wales, Registered Number 15892099.
Registered Office Address: 11 Orchard Close, Wenvoe, Cardiff CF5 6BW.