Which scenario meets the intent of PCI DSS requirements for assigning user access to cardholder data?

Which scenario meets the intent of PCI DSS requirements for assigning user access to cardholder data?

• A. Access is granted to all employees at once
• B. Access is assigned based on job seniority
• C. Access is assigned to all users based on the access needs of the least-privileged user
• D. Access is given to users with previous experience

Answer: (C)

The scenario that meets the intent of PCI DSS requirements for assigning user access to cardholder data is where access is assigned based on the access needs of the least-privileged user. This approach is consistent with the principle of least privilege, which is a fundamental concept in information security. The principle stipulates that users should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. By assigning access according to the needs of the least-privileged user, organizations can effectively minimize the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. This strategy helps protect cardholder data by ensuring that only those who truly require access for their roles can access it, thereby reducing potential vulnerabilities and the overall attack surface. In contrast, granting access to all employees at once or basing access strictly on job seniority can lead to excessive access rights, increasing the likelihood of data exposure or breaches. Furthermore, providing access based solely on previous experience does not take into account the current access needs and could result in overprivileged situations, which do not align with the strict security requirements set forth by PCI DSS. Therefore, the focus on the least-privileged user aligns perfectly with the intent of PCI DSS regarding user access to cardholder data.

The scenario that meets the intent of PCI DSS requirements for assigning user access to cardholder data is where access is assigned based on the access needs of the least-privileged user. This approach is consistent with the principle of least privilege, which is a fundamental concept in information security. The principle stipulates that users should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions.

By assigning access according to the needs of the least-privileged user, organizations can effectively minimize the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. This strategy helps protect cardholder data by ensuring that only those who truly require access for their roles can access it, thereby reducing potential vulnerabilities and the overall attack surface.

In contrast, granting access to all employees at once or basing access strictly on job seniority can lead to excessive access rights, increasing the likelihood of data exposure or breaches. Furthermore, providing access based solely on previous experience does not take into account the current access needs and could result in overprivileged situations, which do not align with the strict security requirements set forth by PCI DSS. Therefore, the focus on the least-privileged user aligns perfectly with the intent of PCI DSS regarding user access to cardholder data.