The Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) is the part of the network that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data or sensitive authentication data, as well as any connected or security-impacting systems123. The CDE is subject to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which is a set of requirements and guidelines for ensuring the security and compliance of payment card transactions123. The PCI DSS defines various artifacts that are reviewed when assessing the CDE, such as:
The Data Security Standards (DSS) framework: This is the document that specifies the 12 high-level requirements and the corresponding sub-requirements and testing procedures for PCI DSS compliance123. The DSS framework should be used to scope the assessment, meaning to identify and document the systems and components that are in scope for PCI DSS, as well as the applicable requirements and controls for each system and component123. Therefore, option A is a true statement regarding artifacts reviewed when assessing the CDE.
The Report on Compliance (ROC): This is the report that provides the assessment results completed by a qualified security assessor (QSA) that includes an onsite audit of the CDE123. The ROC is a detailed and comprehensive document that validates the organization’s compliance status and identifies any gaps or deficiencies that need to be remediated123. The ROC is required for merchants and service providers that process more than 6 million transactions annually, or that have suffered a breach or been compromised in the past year123. Therefore, option B is a true statement regarding artifacts reviewed when assessing the CDE.
The Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ): This is a questionnaire that provides a validation tool for merchants and service providers that are not required to submit a ROC123. The SAQ is a self-assessment tool that allows the organization to evaluate its own compliance status and identify any gaps or deficiencies that need to be remediated123. The SAQ does not provide independent testing of controls, as it is based on the organization’s self-reported answers and evidence123. Therefore, option C is a false statement regarding artifacts reviewed when assessing the CDE.
A System and Organization Controls (SOC) report: This is a report that provides an independent audit of the internal controls and processes of a service organization, such as a cloud provider, a data center, or a payment processor45. The SOC report is not specific to PCI DSS, but rather to other standards and frameworks, such as SOC 1 (based on SSAE 18), SOC 2 (based on Trust Services Criteria), or SOC 3 (based on SOC 2)45. A SOC report is not sufficient to demonstrate PCI DSS compliance, as it may not cover all the requirements and controls of the PCI DSS, or it may not address the same location or scope as the CDE123. Therefore, option D is a false statement regarding artifacts reviewed when assessing the CDE.
References: The following resources support the verified answer and explanation:
1: PCI DSS Quick Reference Guide
2: PCI DSS FAQs
3: PCI DSS Glossary
4: What is a SOC report?
5: SOC Reports: What They Are, and Why They Matter
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