The Software Security Framework (SSF) is a collection of standards and programs for the secure design and development of payment software1. The SSF replaces the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) with modern requirements that support a broader array of payment software types, technologies, and development methodologies2. The SSF applies to any payment software that is part of the cardholder data environment (CDE), which is the people, processes, and technologies that store, process, or transmit cardholder data or sensitive authentication data3. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.
The other options are not true regarding the applicability of the SSF to different software types. Option B is not true because the SSF is not limited to software that runs on PCI PTS devices, which are hardware devices that accept payment card data at the point of interaction. The SSF covers software that runs on various platforms and devices, such as web servers, mobile devices, cloud services, and embedded systems. Option C is not true because the SSF is not limited to validated payment applications that are listed by PCI SSC and have undergone a PA-DSS assessment, which are payment applications that have been validated by PA-DSS assessors and meet the PA-DSS requirements. The SSF covers payment software that may not be eligible for PA-DSS validation, such as software that is developed by merchants or service providers for their own use, or software that is not sold, distributed, or licensed to a third party. Option D is not true because the SSF is not limited to software that is developed by the entity in accordance with the Secure SLC Standard, which is one of the two standards that are part of the SSF and provides security requirements and assessment procedures for software vendors to integrate into their software development lifecycles. The SSF covers payment software that is developed by any entity, whether it is a software vendor, a merchant, a service provider, or a third party, as long as it meets the security requirements and validation procedures of the Secure Software Standard, which is the other standardthat is part of the SSF and provides security requirements and assessment procedures for payment software products. References:
Understanding the PCI Software Security Framework: New Educational Resources
PCI Software Security Framework Provides a Modern Approach to Payment Software Security
PCI DSS v3.2.1
[PCI PTS POI Security Requirements]
[Software Security Framework Secure Software Standard]
[Payment Application Data Security Standard]
[Software Security Framework Secure Software Life Cycle (Secure SLC) Standard]
[PCI DSS v4.0: Is the Customized Approach Right For Your Organization?]
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