Under AC.L2-3.1.12: Remote Access, assessors must verify that all remote access sessions are identified, authorized, controlled, and monitored. Whether remote access is “necessary” is a business decision, not an assessment concern. The assessor is concerned with whether it is properly controlled and implemented, not with the business justification for its existence.

Exact extracts:

“Assessment Objectives … Determine if:• remote access methods are identified;• remote access is authorized prior to allowing such connections;• remote access sessions are controlled;• remote access sessions are monitored.”

“The requirement does not assess business necessity of remote access, only its security and authorization.”

Why the other options are important:

B: Authorization (permitted) must be verified.

C: Monitoring of remote sessions is mandatory.

D: Permitted methods must be identified (e.g., VPN, VDI, etc.).