Free Practice Questions for PCI SSC QSA_New_V4 Exam

According toPCI DSS Scope Definitions (Section 4.2.1), any system thatcan impact the security of the CDEisin scope, even if it doesn’t store cardholder data. An LDAP server providing authentication to systems in the CDEdirectly affects access control, so it'sin scope.

Option A:✅Correct. Systems providingauthentication services to the CDEarein scope.

Option B:❌Incorrect. LDAP does not need to store card data to be in scope.

Option C:❌Incorrect. Influence over access security makes it in scope regardless of data processing.

Option D:❌Incorrect. Scope isn’t limited to DMZ-linked systems.

Requirement 9.6.1mandates theclassification of mediaso that appropriatehandling, storage, and disposalprocedures are applied based on thesensitivity of the data. This ensures that media storing cardholder data is not treated the same as media containing non-sensitive content.

Option A:✅Correct. Classifying media enablesrisk-appropriate protections.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Movement schedules are not mandated.

Option C:❌Incorrect. Labeling is a recommended control but not the primary intent.

Option D:❌Incorrect. Destruction must bebased on data classification, not uniform timing.

 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​.

When a cryptographic key is retired and replaced, it is essential to ensure that the retired key is no longer used for encryption purposes to maintain the security of the cryptographic system.​

Option A:Correct. Retired keys must not be used for encryption operations to prevent potential security vulnerabilities. However, they may be retained for decryption purposes if necessary, such as decrypting existing data encrypted under the retired key.​

Option B:Incorrect. PCI DSS does not specify a mandatory retention period for retired cryptographic key components before disposal. Retention periods should align with the entity's data retention policies and legal requirements.​

Option C:Incorrect. Assigning a new key custodian is not a mandatory requirement upon key retirement and replacement, though proper key management practices should ensure that custodianship is clearly defined and documented.​

Option D:Incorrect. While data encrypted under a retired key should be re-encrypted with the new key or securely managed, PCI DSS does not mandate the destruction of such data solely due to key retirement.​

For more information on cryptographic key management practices, refer toRequirement 3: Protect Stored Account Datain thePCI DSS v4.0.1document.​Wikipedia

Compensating controls are alternative measures implemented when an entity cannot meet a specific PCI DSS requirement due to legitimate technical or business constraints. These controls must sufficiently mitigate the associated risk and be commensurate with the intent of the original PCI DSS requirement.​

Option A:Incorrect. Even if all other PCI DSS requirements are met, a compensating control is necessary when a specific requirement cannot be directly satisfied.​

Option B:Correct. A compensating control must effectively address and mitigate the risk associated with the inability to meet a particular PCI DSS requirement.​

Option C:Incorrect. While existing controls can support a compensating control, they must collectively address the risk of the unmet requirement and cannot merely be another existing PCI DSS requirement.​

Option D:Incorrect. A compensating control worksheet is mandatory to document the rationale, assessment, and validation of the compensating control, regardless of acquirer approval.​

For detailed guidance on compensating controls, refer toAppendix B: Compensating Controlsin thePCI DSS v4.0.1document.​

The strength of a key-encrypting key (KEK) should be at least equivalent to the strength of the data-encrypting key (DEK) it protects to ensure the overall security of the cryptographic system.​

Option A:Incorrect. DES (Data Encryption Standard) with a 256-bit key length is not a standard configuration, as traditional DES uses a 56-bit key, which is considered weak by modern standards.​

Option B:Incorrect. RSA with a 512-bit key length is considered weak and does not provide sufficient security for protecting AES 128-bit keys.​

Option C:Correct. Using an AES 128-bit key as the KEK to protect an AES 128-bit DEK ensures that both keys have equivalent strength, maintaining the integrity of the encryption system.​

Option D:Incorrect. ROT13 is a simple substitution cipher and does not provide adequate security for encrypting cryptographic keys.​

For detailed guidelines on cryptographic key management, refer toRequirement 3: Protect Stored Account Datain thePCI DSS v4.0.1document.​

PerSection 11 and 12of PCI DSS v4.0.1, assessors arerequired to use the official PCI SSC ROC Reporting Template. This ensures uniformity and completeness across all assessments. The same requirement applies to bothmerchants and service providersundergoing afull assessment (ROC).

Option A:✅Correct. PCI SSC mandates use of its official ROC template.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Custom assessor templates arenot permitted.

Option C:❌Incorrect. Assessorsmust notcreate their own templates.

Option D:❌Incorrect. The ROC template is used forbothmerchants and service providers, where applicable.

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.

 Attestation of Compliance (AOC):

The AOC is a document that confirms an entity’s compliance with PCI DSS requirements. It is signed by the entity (merchant or service provider) and the Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) if a QSA is involved.

 Different AOC Templates:

PCI DSS provides distinct templates for service providers and merchants, tailored to their respective roles and responsibilities within the cardholder data environment (CDE)​​.

 Invalid Options:

B:PCI SSC does not sign AOCs; they are signed by the merchant/service provider and the QSA.

C:AOCs differ between ROCs and SAQs, so the same template is not universally used.

D:Both the merchant/service provider and the QSA/ISA (Internal Security Assessor) must sign the AOC when applicable.