PCI SSC Assessor_New_V4 Practice Test Questions Answers

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, an internal NTP server that provides time services to the cardholder data environment is in scope for PCI DSS if it stores processes or transmits cardholder data, regardless of whether it provides authentication services to systems in the DMZ or not. This is one of the requirements for preventing unauthorized access to cardholder data using time services.

According to requirement 3.1.2, an assessment with at least one requirement marked as Not Tested is considered a partial assessment, which means it does not meet all the requirements and controls defined in Appendix E of the PCI DSS v3.2.1 Quick Reference Guide1. This is one of the requirements for ensuring that assessments are conducted in accordance with PCI DSS.

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

According to the PCI DSS v3.2.1 Quick Reference Guide1, the security protocol accepts only trusted keys. This is one of the requirements for ensuring secure encryption and authentication.