Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards Practice Test

Which scenario describes segmentation of the cardholder data environment (CDE) for the purposes of reducing PCI DSS scope?

1. Routers that monitor network traffic flows between the CDE and out-of-scope networks

2. Firewalls that log all network traffic flows between the CDE and out-of-scope networks

3. Virtual LANs that route network traffic between the CDE and out-of-scope networks

4. A network configuration that prevents all network traffic between the CDE and out-of-scope network

The correct answer is: A network configuration that prevents all network traffic between the CDE and out-of-scope network

The scenario that illustrates proper segmentation of the cardholder data environment (CDE) for reducing PCI DSS scope is one that entirely prevents all network traffic between the CDE and out-of-scope networks. This form of segmentation is essential for limiting the pathways through which sensitive cardholder data can be accessed, thereby significantly minimizing the risk of exposure to non-secure environments. By implementing a configuration that completely isolates the CDE from any non-related systems or networks, organizations achieve a clear demarcation that protects cardholder data from unnecessary scrutiny and reduces compliance complexities. This straightforward isolation ensures that only trusted network resources interact with the CDE, which is a crucial element in achieving PCI DSS compliance. In other scenarios, while routers, firewalls, or virtual LANs may contribute to monitoring or controlling traffic, they do not guarantee complete isolation. Routers that merely monitor traffic or firewalls that log traffic may still allow some interaction with out-of-scope networks, thereby not effectively reducing the PCI DSS scope. On the other hand, virtual LANs that route traffic can potentially allow paths for data flow unless they are configured with strict access controls that mimic the same isolation provided by a complete configuration block. Therefore, the complete prevention of traffic exemplifies the most effective