Pass the PCI SSC PCI Qualified Professionals QSA_New_V4 Questions and answers with CertsForce

TheSoftware Security Framework (SSF)is intended to support entities usingbespoke and custom softwarewithin the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE). If the software is developed and maintained in accordance with theSecure Software Lifecycle (SLC) Standard, it can help demonstrate secure software development practices and potentially reduce the number of applicable PCI DSS requirements.

Option A:Incorrect. Not all payment software qualifies unless developed under SSF standards.

Option B:Incorrect. PCI PTS devices follow different hardware security standards.

Option C:Incorrect. PA-DSS has been retired; those applications are now listed as “Acceptable Only for Pre-Existing Deployments”.

Option D:Correct. Software developed under the Secure SLC Standard may help an entity meet some requirements in PCI DSS Requirement 6.

 Compensating Controls Definition and Purpose

A compensating control is an alternate measure that satisfies the intent of a specific PCI DSS requirement and provides an equivalent level of security.

The rationale and risk mitigation must be explicitly documented using the Compensating Control Worksheet (CCW).

 Mandatory Documentation

PCI DSS v4.0 mandates the use of a CCW when implementing compensating controls. This applies regardless of acquirer approvals​​.

The CCW requires detailed documentation including:

Constraints preventing the original requirement from being implemented.

Justification for the compensating control.

Description of the control and evidence of its effectiveness.

 Using Existing Requirements

If an existing PCI DSS requirement (e.g., Requirement 5 for antivirus) is already implemented and can mitigate the risks of not meeting another requirement, it may qualify as a compensating control​​.

 Approval and Review Process

QSAs must validate the implementation, effectiveness, and appropriateness of compensating controls during the assessment process​

 Requirement for Secure Transmission:

PCI DSS Requirement 4.1 mandates that cardholder data sent over open public networks must be protected with strong cryptographic protocols. Accepting only trusted keys ensures data integrity and prevents unauthorized access​​.

 Key Validation Practices:

Trusted keys and certificates are verified to ensure authenticity. Using untrusted keys compromises the security of the encrypted communication.

 Prohibited Practices:

A/D:Configuring protocols to accept all certificates or lower encryption strength violates PCI DSS encryption guidelines.

B:Proprietary protocols are not inherently compliant unless they meet strong cryptographic standards.

 Testing and Verification:

Assessors verify the implementation of trusted keys by examining encryption settings, reviewing certificate chains, and conducting tests to confirm only trusted connections are accepted​​.

TheROC Reporting Templaterequires assessors todocument how the requirement was verifiedas “In Place”. This includesmethods used, evidence reviewed, and how compliance was determined.

Option A:❌Incorrect. Project plans are relevant for “In Progress”, not “In Place”.

Option B:✅Correct. “In Place” requires an explanation ofassessor observations and validation.

Option C:❌Incorrect. This applies to “Not in Place”.

Option D:❌Incorrect. This applies to non-compliance scenarios.

Sampling is a legitimate method under PCI DSS for assessing a representative subset of system components and locations.Section 6 – Sampling for PCI DSS Assessmentsoutlines thatsampling of business facilities and system componentsis allowed, as long as it’s justified, consistent, and documented.

Option A:Incorrect. PCI DSS requirements themselvescannotbe sampled.

Option B:Incorrect.Compensating controls must be assessed in full, not sampled.

Option C:Correct. Sampling may apply tobusiness facilities and system componentsto make the assessment more efficient.

Option D:Incorrect.Policies and proceduresmust be evaluated in full.

 Visitor Management Requirements:

PCI DSS Requirement 9.3 specifies that visitors must be escorted at all times in areas where cardholder data is present to prevent unauthorized access or breaches​​.

 Invalid Options:

B:Visitor badges must be distinguishable from employee badges.

C:Visitor logs are necessary but do not need detailed personal information like addresses.

D:Retaining visitor identification for 30 days is not a requirement.

Requirement 10.5.1.1requires thataudit logs be protected from unauthorised viewing and modification, and access should berestricted to individuals with a job-related need to view them. This principle aligns with least privilege and ensures accountability.

Option A:❌Incorrect. The person who performed the action may not need to view logs.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Read/write access istoo permissive.

Option C:❌Incorrect. Not all administrators need access to logs.

Option D:✅Correct. Access should bebased on job function.

According toSection 12.2.3.3 of PCI DSS v4.0.1, aPartial Assessmentis defined as a result whereat least one PCI DSS requirement is marked as “Not Tested.”This is typically seen duringgap assessments or pre-validation efforts, not official compliance validation.

Option A:❌Incorrect. SAQs are self-assessments; Partial Assessment is a different concept.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Interim drafts are not labeled as “Partial”.

Option C:❌Incorrect. That is a misinterpretation of segmentation by payment channel.

Option D:✅Correct. "Not Tested" = Partial Assessment.

 Customized Approach Overview:

Under PCI DSS v4.0, entities can use a Customized Approach to meet requirements by implementing controls tailored to their environment. This allows flexibility while still achieving the intent of the security requirement.

 Role of Assessors:

Assessors (QSAs) are responsible for evaluating both the implementation of customized controls and ensuring these controls fulfill the security objectives of the PCI DSS requirements​​.

QSAs must document the evaluation, evidence reviewed, and results in the Report on Compliance (ROC).

 Controls Matrix and Targeted Risk Analysis (TRA):

The Controls Matrix and TRA are key components of the Customized Approach. QSAs assist in verifying the accuracy and completeness of these tools during assessments​​.

 Documenting in the ROC:

The ROC must include a narrative explaining the assessor’s findings regarding the customized control, validation methods, and any evidence collected​.

 Relevant PCI DSS v4.0 Guidance:

Appendix D and E of the PCI DSS v4.0 ROC Template emphasize that QSAs can evaluate and confirm adherence to the Customized Approach provided this is documented comprehensively in the ROC​.

Requirement 6.4.3.1clarifies that if live PANs are to be used in testing, the test environment mustmeet all applicable PCI DSS controls. Thus,testing with live PAN is only allowed if the test environment is within the CDEand fully secured.

Option A:❌Incorrect. Testing should not happen in production.

Option B:❌Incorrect. It must be within the CDE if live PAN is involved.

Option C:✅Correct. Live PANs can be used inpre-production environments within the CDE.

Option D:❌Incorrect. There’s no requirement to test only within QSA environments.