Pass the PCI SSC PCI Qualified Professionals QSA_New_V4 Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

True segmentation, as defined inPCI DSS Scope Guidance, requiresenforcing isolationsuch thatno network traffic is allowed between the CDE and out-of-scope systems, unless explicitly permitted and secured. This is the only way toreduce assessment scopereliably.

Option A:❌Incorrect. Monitoring alone does not restrict or prevent access.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Logging without restriction doesnot isolatethe CDE.

Option C:❌Incorrect. VLANs may be part of segmentation, but routing traffic alone doesn't reduce scope.

Option D:✅Correct. This describesproper segmentation: no uncontrolled traffic into the CDE.

PCI DSS clearly states inRequirement 11.4.5and in theScoping Guidancethat if segmentation is used, the assessor must verify thesegmentation is effective— meaning it must be technically and operationally validated to ensure that it properly isolates the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) from out-of-scope networks.

Option A:Too narrow. While allowing only necessary traffic is important, the verification involves more than that.

Option B:Incorrect. Payment brands do not “approve” segmentation.

Option C:Incorrect. PCI DSS focuses on effectiveness, not brand-specific device use.

Option D:Correct. Assessor must ensure that segmentation controls areproperly configured and function as intended.

ThePCI PIN Transaction Security (PTS)standard applies topoint-of-interaction (POI) hardware devices, such as PIN entry devices and POS terminals. It ensures these devicessecurely capture and process account data, particularly for PIN-based transactions.

Option A:✅Correct. PCI PTS focuses onhardware devicesthat process PIN or card data.

Option B:❌Incorrect. This is covered under theSecure Software Standard(part of the Software Security Framework).

Option C:❌Incorrect. Algorithm development is outside PCI SSC’s scope.

Option D:❌Incorrect. End-to-end encryption is covered in other guidance (e.g., P2PE), not PTS.

UnderAppendix D – Customized Approach, it is clearly stated that theentity is responsiblefor completing theControls Matrixand theTargeted Risk Analysis (TRA). The assessor may assist in completion, but accountability for content lies with the entity.

Option A:Incorrect. QSAs may assist but are not solely responsible.

Option B:Incorrect. This overstates who is responsible; only the entity is ultimately accountable.

Option C:Correct. The entity being assessed is responsible for completing the Controls Matrix and TRA.

Option D:Incorrect. Card brands or acquirers are not involved in document creation.

 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.

As perRequirement 2.2.1, the purpose of limiting each server to one primary function is toreduce the risk of functions with lower security needs compromising more critical functions.

Option A:❌Incorrect. PCI DSS discourages combining different security-level functions.

Option B:✅Correct. This is the intent: toprevent lower-security processes from weakening high-security environments.

Option C:❌Incorrect. Functions shouldn’t depend on one another for security.

Option D:❌Incorrect. PCI DSS encourages raising security, not lowering it.

Track equivalent data— whether from a magnetic stripe or embedded chip — falls underSensitive Authentication Data (SAD)and mustnot be stored after authorisation, even if encrypted. This is covered underRequirement 3.3.1and Table 3 in PCI DSS v4.0.1.

Option A:❌Incorrect. SADmust not be stored after authorisation, regardless of encryption.

Option B:✅Correct. Track equivalent data is explicitly defined asSAD.

Option C:❌Incorrect. SAD is fullyin-scopefor PCI DSS.

Option D:❌Incorrect. Requirement 3.2 and 3.3 specifically address SAD.

When a cryptographic key is retired and replaced, it is essential to ensure that the retired key is no longer used for encryption purposes to maintain the security of the cryptographic system.​

Option A:Correct. Retired keys must not be used for encryption operations to prevent potential security vulnerabilities. However, they may be retained for decryption purposes if necessary, such as decrypting existing data encrypted under the retired key.​

Option B:Incorrect. PCI DSS does not specify a mandatory retention period for retired cryptographic key components before disposal. Retention periods should align with the entity's data retention policies and legal requirements.​

Option C:Incorrect. Assigning a new key custodian is not a mandatory requirement upon key retirement and replacement, though proper key management practices should ensure that custodianship is clearly defined and documented.​

Option D:Incorrect. While data encrypted under a retired key should be re-encrypted with the new key or securely managed, PCI DSS does not mandate the destruction of such data solely due to key retirement.​

For more information on cryptographic key management practices, refer toRequirement 3: Protect Stored Account Datain thePCI DSS v4.0.1document.​Wikipedia

PCI DSSRequirement 6.3.1requires entities toassign a risk rankingto vulnerabilities (e.g., high, medium, low) to ensure thatremediation efforts are prioritised. This risk-based approach helps organisations focus resources where they are most needed.

Option A:❌Incorrect. Timeframes depend on the severity and internal policy, not always 30 days.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Risk ranking supports remediation but doesn’t replace scanning.

Option C:✅Correct. The purpose is toprioritise higher-risk itemsfor faster action.

Option D:❌Incorrect. Patch frequency is addressed elsewhere (Requirement 6.3.3).

Sampling is a legitimate method under PCI DSS for assessing a representative subset of system components and locations.Section 6 – Sampling for PCI DSS Assessmentsoutlines thatsampling of business facilities and system componentsis allowed, as long as it’s justified, consistent, and documented.

Option A:Incorrect. PCI DSS requirements themselvescannotbe sampled.

Option B:Incorrect.Compensating controls must be assessed in full, not sampled.

Option C:Correct. Sampling may apply tobusiness facilities and system componentsto make the assessment more efficient.

Option D:Incorrect.Policies and proceduresmust be evaluated in full.