Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards Practice Test

What types of events are required to be logged according to PCI DSS?

1. All access to external websites

2. All access to all audit trails

3. All network transmissions

4. All use of end-user messaging technologies

The correct answer is: All access to all audit trails

The requirement to log all access to all audit trails aligns with the goals of PCI DSS to ensure accountability and traceability in the handling of cardholder data. Logging access to audit trails is essential because it helps organizations monitor and review any actions taken on the data, which is critical for maintaining the integrity and security of card information. If unauthorized access or changes are made, these logs provide a way to identify and respond to such incidents. An effective logging mechanism not only aids in compliance with PCI DSS but also enhances security monitoring, thereby facilitating the detection of anomalies or suspicious activities. Tracking access to audit trails contributes to accountability by maintaining a record of who accessed what information and when, which is vital for forensic investigations if a data breach occurs. Other options, while they describe various types of events, do not encompass the specific requirement regarding audit trail access that is mandated by PCI DSS. Logging other activities, such as access to external websites or usage of messaging technologies, may be relevant to organizational security practices, but PCI DSS emphasizes the significance of audit trail logs as a core part of its framework for protecting cardholder data.