​ Restricting Database Access

PCI DSS Requirement 7.2 specifies that access to cardholder data, including databases, must be

restricted by business need-to-know.

Restricting access to programmatic methods minimizes the risk of unauthorized queries and data

breaches​​.

​ Eliminating Direct Access

Direct database access by end-users or administrators poses significant risk unless strictly controlled

and monitored. Programmatic methods (e.g., via applications with role-based access controls) align

with security best practices.

​ Incorrect Options

Option B: Administrators might need access, but access should not be limited to system/network

administrators.

Option C: Application IDs should not be used directly by individuals, as this circumvents

accountability.

Option D: Shared accounts are discouraged due to a lack of traceability.

Comprehensive Detailed Step by Step Explanation with All PCI DSS and Qualified Security Assessor

V4

Relevant PCI DSS Requirement: Internal vulnerability scans are discussed under PCI DSS Requirement

11.3.1, which requires organizations to perform internal vulnerability scanning as part of their

regular vulnerability management process.

Frequency and Trigger for Internal Scans:

PCI DSS v4.0 explicitly states that internal vulnerability scans should be conducted at least quarterly

and after any significant change.

A "significant change" can include modifications such as infrastructure upgrades, addition of new

systems or software, and configuration changes that may impact security.

Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV):

Internal scans do not require an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV). ASVs are specifically used for

external vulnerability scans.

Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) Involvement:

QSAs are not mandated to perform internal scans. Organizations can use internal teams or trusted

third-party resources for this purpose, provided the scans meet PCI DSS criteria.

Annual Scanning Misconception:

While annual compliance reports may include details of scanning activities, the requirement for

internal scans is at least quarterly and event-triggered, not annually.

Reference Verification:

Requirement 11.3.1 (PCI DSS v4.0): Clearly outlines the need for quarterly scans and post-significant-

change scans​​.

ROC and SAQ Templates: Reinforce the requirement that scans are both regular and reactive to

environmental changes​​.

​ PCI PIN Transaction Security (PTS) Standard:

The PCI PTS standard focuses on securing Point-of-Interaction (POI) devices, such as payment

terminals, that process payment card transactions and protect account data during capture​​.

​ Clarifications on Covered Areas:

This standard includes specifications for physical and logical security controls to prevent

unauthorized access to sensitive cardholder data on POI devices.

​ Invalid Options:

B: Secure coding practices are addressed by PCI PA-DSS (Payment Application Data Security

Standard).

C: Cryptographic algorithm development is not specific to PCI PTS.

D: End-to-end encryption solutions are not covered under PCI PTS.

​ Audit Log Retention Requirements

PCI DSS Requirement 10.7 specifies audit logs must be retained for a minimum of one year. The most

recent three months must be immediately accessible for incident analysis and reporting​​.

​ Purpose of Log Retention

Retaining logs aids in forensic investigations, regulatory compliance, and operational oversight.

​ Incorrect Options

Options B, C, and D specify durations that are not consistent with PCI DSS requirements.

​ PCI DSS Requirement:

Requirement 11.4 mandates the implementation of intrusion detection and/or intrusion prevention

techniques to alert personnel of suspected compromises within the cardholder data environment

(CDE).

​ Purpose of IDS/IPS:

These systems are deployed to identify potential threats and alert relevant personnel, enabling them

to take corrective actions to prevent data breaches​.

​ Rationale Behind Correct Answer:

A: Intrusion detection is required only for in-scope components, not all system components.

C/D: Intrusion detection systems do not perform isolation or identification of all cardholder data;

they monitor for and alert on potential intrusions​​.

​ Audit Log Access Control:

PCI DSS Requirement 10.7 restricts access to audit logs to individuals with a job-related need to

protect the integrity and confidentiality of the logs​​.

​ Rationale for Job-Related Need:

Limiting access reduces the risk of tampering, accidental modification, or exposure of sensitive

information.

​ Invalid Options:

A: Individuals who performed the activity should not necessarily view logs unless required.

B/C: Read/write access or administrator privileges are not prerequisites for log viewing.

​ Testing with Live PANs

PCI DSS Requirement 6.4.3 requires that live PANs (Primary Account Numbers) only be used in secure

and controlled environments within the CDE.

Pre-production environments located within the CDE must adhere to all PCI DSS requirements for

security and monitoring​​.

​ Prohibited Uses

Testing with live PANs in environments outside the CDE violates PCI DSS. Only simulated data should

be used in less secure testing environments.

​ Incorrect Options

Option A: Production environments are for real transactions, not testing.

Option B: Test environments outside the CDE are insecure for live PANs.

Option D: The QSA environment is irrelevant to the organization’s CDE testing controls.

​ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA requires at least two factors from different categories: something you know (password),

something you have (digital certificate), or something you are (biometric).

PCI DSS Requirement 8 mandates that credentials like certificates must be unique to each user​​.

​ Secure Certificate Use

Certificates must not be shared and should be assigned individually to ensure accountability and

prevent unauthorized access.

​ Incorrect Options

Option A: Limiting certificates to administrative groups does not fulfill PCI DSS for all users.

Option C: Logging certificates for retrieval is unrelated to security requirements.

Option D: Certificates do not have a mandatory 90-day change requirement.

​ Segmentation Defined

PCI DSS v4.0 specifies that effective segmentation separates the CDE from out-of-scope

environments, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access to cardholder data​.

​ Key Requirements for Segmentation

Network traffic between the CDE and out-of-scope networks must be completely prevented. This

ensures that out-of-scope systems cannot introduce risks to the CDE.

Methods like firewalls, ACLs (Access Control Lists), and other technologies may be used to enforce

segmentation.

​ Incorrect Options

Monitoring or logging traffic (Options A and B) without preventing access does not achieve

segmentation.

Virtual LANs (Option C) alone are insufficient unless properly configured to enforce traffic isolation​​.

​ Customized Approach Overview:

Under PCI DSS v4.0, entities can use a Customized Approach to meet requirements by implementing

controls tailored to their environment. This allows flexibility while still achieving the intent of the

security requirement.

​ Role of Assessors:

Assessors (QSAs) are responsible for evaluating both the implementation of customized controls and

ensuring these controls fulfill the security objectives of the PCI DSS requirements​​.

QSAs must document the evaluation, evidence reviewed, and results in the Report on Compliance

(ROC).

​ Controls Matrix and Targeted Risk Analysis (TRA):

The Controls Matrix and TRA are key components of the Customized Approach. QSAs assist in

verifying the accuracy and completeness of these tools during assessments​​.

​ Documenting in the ROC:

The ROC must include a narrative explaining the assessor’s findings regarding the customized control,

validation methods, and any evidence collected​.

​ Relevant PCI DSS v4.0 Guidance:

Appendix D and E of the PCI DSS v4.0 ROC Template emphasize that QSAs can evaluate and confirm

adherence to the Customized Approach provided this is documented comprehensively in the ROC​.