Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards Practice Test

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Prepare for the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards Test. Study with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

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What is the purpose of a compensating control in PCI DSS?

To completely replace a PCI DSS requirement
To provide a strategy for maintaining security when a PCI DSS requirement cannot be met
To simplify the PCI DSS compliance process
To eliminate data breaches in every instance

The correct answer is: To provide a strategy for maintaining security when a PCI DSS requirement cannot be met

The purpose of a compensating control in PCI DSS is to provide a strategy for maintaining security when a PCI DSS requirement cannot be met. Compensating controls are alternative security measures that organizations implement when they are unable to fulfill a specific PCI DSS requirement due to technical or business constraints. These controls must address the intent and rigor of the original requirement, ensuring that the overall security posture is not compromised. For example, if an organization cannot use encryption as specified in the standards, they might implement additional monitoring or access controls that provide an equivalent level of security. By validating that compensating controls are sufficient, organizations can still achieve PCI compliance while addressing unique challenges they face in their environments. This demonstrates a proactive approach to risk management within the scope of PCI DSS compliance.