Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards Practice Test

Which type of training is critical according to PCI DSS for personnel who manage sensitive data?

1. Training on the latest software updates

2. Training on the risks of social engineering attacks

3. Training on legal compliance requirements

4. Training on secure coding practices

The correct answer is: Training on the risks of social engineering attacks

Training on the risks of social engineering attacks is critical according to PCI DSS for personnel who manage sensitive data. This type of training ensures that employees are aware of manipulation tactics that perpetrators may use to compromise sensitive information, particularly in the context of payment card transactions. Social engineering often exploits human psychology instead of technical vulnerabilities, making it essential for staff to recognize and respond correctly to potential threats. By educating personnel on how to identify and report suspicious activities, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of breaches related to human error or oversight. While the other training options mentioned are valuable, they primarily serve different functions. Training on the latest software updates helps in maintaining operational efficiency and security but does not directly address the human factor in data security. Training on legal compliance requirements is necessary to keep personnel informed about their obligations, but it may not adequately prepare them for immediate threats they could face in daily operations. Training on secure coding practices is crucial for developers to ensure applications are built with security best practices, but it does not pertain directly to the awareness needed for personnel who handle sensitive data in operational roles. Thus, focus on social engineering is particularly pertinent when it comes to safeguarding sensitive data from manipulation.