Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards Practice Test

Which scenario meets PCI DSS requirements for user access to cardholder data?

1. Access assigned based on the highest privilege available

2. Access assigned based on least-privileged user needs

3. Access assigned based on privileges of the most senior user

4. Access assigned based on necessary job privileges of individual users

The correct answer is: Access assigned based on necessary job privileges of individual users

Access assigned based on necessary job privileges of individual users aligns with PCI DSS requirements for user access to cardholder data. The PCI Data Security Standards emphasize the importance of implementing access controls that limit user access to cardholder data to only those who need it for their job functions. This principle is known as "least privilege," which aims to minimize the risk of unauthorized access or misuse of sensitive information. By assigning access based on the specific job duties of individual users, organizations ensure that employees can only access the cardholder data required for their roles. This configuration protects sensitive information and reduces the overall risk of data breaches, aligning with the established PCI DSS requirements focused on safeguarding cardholder data integrity and confidentiality. In contrast, assigning access based on the highest privilege available or the privileges of the most senior user fails to adhere to the principle of least privilege, potentially granting unnecessary access to sensitive information. This approach increases the risk of unauthorized access and could lead to data security violations. Additionally, access assigned based on least-privileged user needs is a valid strategy, but it is more general than the specific case of tailoring access to individual job responsibilities.