Pass the PCI SSC PCI Qualified Professionals Assessor_New_V4 Questions and answers with CertsForce

According to the PCI PTS standard2, point-of-interaction devices used to protect account data are point-of-interaction devices (POI), which are devices that are used to authenticate, authorize, or verify cardholder data or transactions. This is one of the requirements for ensuring that POI devices are used in accordance with PCI DSS.

critical systems must have correct and consistent time, which means they should use a reliable time source and synchronize their clocks with other systems. This is one of the requirements for ensuring that critical systems have accurate time.

The PCI DSS requires that access to databases containing cardholder data is restricted to authorized users and applications, and that direct access to such databases is prohibited. According to the PCI DSS Requirement 7.1.2, “Restrict access to privileged user IDs to least privileges necessary to perform job responsibilities.” Furthermore, according to the PCI DSS Requirement 8.3.1, “Implement multi-factor authentication for all non-console access into the cardholder data environment for personnel with administrative access.” Therefore, the scenario that meets the PCI DSS requirements for restricting access to databases containing cardholder data is the one where user access to the database is only through programmatic methods, such as through an application interface that enforces authentication, authorization, and encryption. The other scenarios either allow direct access to the database, or do not limit the access to the least privileges necessary, or do not use multi-factor authentication for administrative access. References: [PCI DSS v3.2.1], Card Production Security Assessor - Logical - Credly

Segmentation is a method of isolating system components that store, process, or transmit cardholder data from systems that do not, by using security controls such as firewalls, routers, switches, or other devices1. Segmentation can reduce the scope of the cardholder data environment (CDE) and thus reduce the scope of the PCI DSS assessment, as only the systems and networks within the CDE or connected to the CDE are subject to PCI DSS requirements2. Virtual LANs (VLANs) are one example of such a security control, as they can create logical subnetworks that separate different types of traffic and restrict access between them3. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

The other options are not true regarding the scenario that describes segmentation of the cardholder data environment (CDE) for the purposes of reducing PCI DSS scope. Option A is not true because routers that monitor network traffic flows between the CDE and out-of-scope networks are not sufficient to isolate the CDE, as they do not prevent or limit the traffic flows. Option B is not true because firewalls that log all network traffic flows between the CDE and out-of-scope networks are not sufficient to isolate the CDE, as they do not block or filter the traffic flows. Option D is not true because a network configuration that prevents all network traffic between the CDE and out-of-scope networks is not realistic or feasible, as some traffic may be necessary for business or legal reasons, such as payment processing, reporting, or auditing. References:

Network Segmentation - PCI Security Standards Council

Guidance for PCI DSS Scoping and Network Segmentation

VLANs and PCI Compliance: What You Need to Know

According to the PCI DSS v3.2.1 Quick Reference Guide1, devices are periodically inspected to detect unauthorized card stammers using physical inspection or other methods such as software-based tools or network-based tools (such as firewalls). This is one of the requirements for preventing card skimming attacks that could compromise cardholder data.

The customized approach is a new option in PCI DSS v4.0 that allows entities to use alternate security controls or new technologies that meet the PCI DSS Customized Approach Objective for a requirement1. The customized approach requires the entity to complete and document a Controls Matrix and a Targeted Risk Analysis (TRA) for each customized control, and to provide this documentation to the assessor2. The assessor’s role is to review the documentation, assess the customized control, and verify that the customized approach was correctly followed3. The assessor must also document the assessment of the customized control in the Report on Compliance (ROC), using the ROC Template provided by PCI SSC4. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

The other options are not true regarding the role of the assessor in the customized approach. Option A is not true because the assessor does not need another assessor to verify the TRA, as the assessor is responsible for reviewing and validating the TRA as part of the assessment process3. Option C is not true because the assessor can and must assess the control and the documentation, as well as document the work on the customized control in the ROC34. Option D is not true because the assessor is allowed to assist the entity with the completion of the Controls Matrix or the TRA, as long as the assessor does not design, develop, or implement the customized control for the entity5. References:

PCI DSS v4.0: Is the Customized Approach Right For Your Organization?

PCI DSS v4.0: Roles and Responsibilities for the Customized Approach

PCI DSS v4.0 Report on Compliance Template

PCI DSS v4.0

PCI DSS v4.0: Customized Approach Explained

an entity can use both the Customized Approach and the Defined Approach to meet the same requirement, as long as it uses compensating controls to address any weaknesses or gaps inthe customized control. This is one of the requirements for ensuring that an entity can use both approaches when appropriate.

The Secure SLC standard is one of the two standards that are part of the PCI Software Security Framework (SSF), which provides security requirements and assessment procedures for software vendors to integrate into their software development lifecycles and to validate that secure lifecycle management practices are in place12. The Secure SLC standard is designed to offer a more flexible approach to how the security and integrity of payment software is tested, and to address the evolving threat landscape and changes in software development practices3.

The PCI DSS Requirement 6 states that entities must develop and maintain secure systems and applications, and it includes several sub-requirements that cover variousaspects of software security, such as change control, secure coding, vulnerability management, and patching4. By using custom software that is compliant with the Secure SLC standard, an entity may be able to meet some or all of these sub-requirements, as the Secure SLC standard covers similar topics and ensures that the software is developed and maintained in a secure manner throughout its entire lifecycle1. However, this does not automatically make the entity PCI DSS compliant, as there are other requirements and controls that the entity must implement and validate, such as network security, access control, monitoring, and incident response4. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

The other options are not true regarding the impact of using custom software that is compliant with the Secure SLC standard on the PCI DSS assessment. Option A is not true because, as explained above, the entity still has to comply with other PCI DSS requirements and controls that are not covered by the Secure SLC standard. Option C is not true because there is a positive impact to the entity, as it may help the entity to meet several requirements in Requirement 6 and to demonstrate that the custom software is secure and reliable. Option D is not true because the custom software cannot be excluded from the PCI DSS assessment, as it is part of the cardholder data environment (CDE) and it may store, process, or transmit cardholder data or sensitive authentication data. The entity must ensure that the custom software meets the PCI DSS requirements and controls that are applicable to it, and that the assessor validates its compliance4. References:

Software Security Framework Secure Software Life Cycle (Secure SLC) Standard

PCI Security Standards Council Publishes Version 1.1 of Secure Software Lifecycle (SLC) Standard and Program

PCI Security Standards Council Publishes Version 1.1 of Secure Software Standard and Program

PCI DSS v3.2.1