Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards Practice Test

When is it acceptable to share cardholder data with third parties?

1. When the third party has signed a non-disclosure agreement

2. When sharing directly benefits business operations

3. When there are stringent security controls in place

4. Never, under PCI DSS guidelines

The correct answer is: Never, under PCI DSS guidelines

Sharing cardholder data with third parties is strictly prohibited under the PCI DSS guidelines to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive payment information. The PCI DSS emphasizes the importance of protecting cardholder data throughout its life cycle and when in transit. Given the significant risk of data breaches and the potential consequences for both consumers and businesses involved, the guidelines establish a clear policy that cardholder data should not be shared, irrespective of any agreements, operational benefits, or security controls that might be in place. This approach is designed to minimize exposure to potential vulnerabilities and safeguard against unauthorized access, ensuring that the integrity and confidentiality of cardholder information is maintained at all times.