A sample of business facilities is reviewed during the PCI DSS assessment. What is the assessor required to validate about the sample?
Answer : D
Sampling in Assessments
PCI DSS v4.0 requires assessors to ensure that sampled business facilities represent all types and locations to provide comprehensive coverage of the entity's operations.
Sampling Considerations
Assessors must include facilities storing or processing cardholder data and validate controls across diverse locations.
Incorrect Options
Option A: Consistency does not ensure comprehensive representation.
Option B: PCI DSS does not mandate a 10% sample size.
Option C: It is not mandatory to review every facility storing cardholder data.
Which of the following meets the definition of "quarterly" as Indicated In the description of timeframes used In PCI DSS requirements?
Answer : A
Definition of Quarterly:
PCI DSS defines 'quarterly' as occurring once within each calendar quarter. This means the activity must happen at least once in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, with no rigid restrictions on specific days.
Clarification on Other Options:
B: While 95--97 days approximates a quarter, it is not mandated as a rigid timeframe.
C/D: Fixed dates (e.g., 15th or 1st of specific months) are not prescribed in PCI DSS.
Which of the following file types must be monitored by a change-detection mechanism (for example, a file-integrity monitoring tool)?
Answer : D
Scope of Change-Detection Mechanisms
PCI DSS v4.0 requires the implementation of a change-detection mechanism (e.g., file-integrity monitoring) to monitor unauthorized changes to critical files.
Critical files include system configuration and parameter files, application executable files, and scripts used in administrative functions.
Intent of Monitoring System Files
These files often control security settings and operational parameters of systems within the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE). Unauthorized changes could compromise system security.
Exclusions
Documents like application vendor manuals and security policies do not qualify as files requiring integrity monitoring since they do not directly impact the security posture or operational functions of systems in the CDE.
If segmentation is being used to reduce the scope of a PCI DSS assessment, the assessor will?
Answer : D
Role of the Assessor in Verifying Segmentation
PCI DSS v4.0 requires assessors to confirm that segmentation controls (firewalls, ACLs, etc.) effectively isolate the CDE from out-of-scope networks.
Proper configuration and functionality testing ensure that only authorized traffic can access the CDE.
Testing Requirements
Methods include network scans, configuration reviews, and traffic analysis to verify the segmentation is functioning as intended.
Incorrect Options
Option A: Verifying traffic flow is part of the task but not the primary goal.
Option B: Payment brands do not approve segmentation controls.
Option C: Use of specific devices is not mandated for segmentation.
A network firewall has been configured with the latest vendor security patches. What additional configuration Is needed to harden the firewall?
Answer : D
Firewall Hardening:
Requirement 1.2 mandates that firewalls should be configured with only the necessary functionality to reduce attack surfaces. Disabling unused functions eliminates potential vulnerabilities.
Explanation of Other Options:
A: Shared accounts violate Requirement 8.1.5, which prohibits shared or generic accounts.
B: Allowing all traffic initially violates Requirement 1.2.1, which requires a restrictive firewall policy.
C: Synchronization of rules may not always be necessary, especially for firewalls with different scopes or roles.
A retail merchant has a server room containing systems that store encrypted PAN dat
a. The merchant has Implemented a badge access-control system that Identifies who entered and exited the room, on what date, and at what time. There are no video cameras located in the server room. Based on this information, which statement is true regarding PCI DSS physical security requirements?
Answer : A
Physical Security Requirements:
PCI DSS Requirement 9.1.1 mandates that physical access control systems (like badge readers) must be protected against tampering or disabling to ensure continuous security.
Current Implementation:
The merchant's badge access-control system provides essential logging of access events but must also be protected against tampering to comply with PCI DSS.
Invalid Options:
B: Video cameras are recommended but not explicitly required if access controls effectively ensure security.
C: Secure deletion of access-control logs is not a PCI DSS requirement; logs must be retained as per retention policies.
D: Motion-sensing alarms are not mandatory under PCI DSS physical security requirements.
At which step in the payment transaction process does the merchant's bank pay the merchant for the purchase, and the cardholder's bank bill the cardholder?
Answer : C
Settlement in the Payment Process
Settlement is the stage where the merchant's bank pays the merchant for the transaction, and the cardholder's bank debits the cardholder's account.
PCI DSS does not explicitly describe the settlement process but emphasizes the protection of data during all stages.
Transaction Stages
Authorization: Approves the transaction.
Clearing: Data is sent to the cardholder's bank.
Settlement: Funds are transferred between banks.
Chargeback: Disputes are handled, and funds might be reversed.