QSA_New_V4 Qualified Security Assessor V4 Exam Questions and Answers

Restricting Database Access

PCI DSS Requirement 7.2 specifies that access to cardholder data, including databases, must be restricted by business need-to-know.

Restricting access to programmatic methods minimizes the risk of unauthorized queries and data breaches​​.

Eliminating Direct Access

Direct database access by end-users or administrators poses significant risk unless strictly controlled and monitored. Programmatic methods (e.g., via applications with role-based access controls) align with security best practices.

Incorrect Options

Option B: Administrators might need access, but access should not be limited to system/network administrators.

Option C: Application IDs should not be used directly by individuals, as this circumvents accountability.

Option D: Shared accounts are discouraged due to a lack of traceability.

Stateful Inspection

PCI DSS Requirement 1.2 specifies the need for stateful inspection to track the state of active connections. This ensures that only valid responses to communication initiated by trusted networks are allowed.

Invalid or unsolicited response traffic is blocked to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities​​.

Key Functionality of Stateful Firewalls

Stateful firewalls maintain session information and only allow traffic that matches an existing session or expected response.

Incorrect Options

Option A: Administrative access restrictions are important but unrelated to stateful responses.

Option C: Baseline configurations are a different security control.

Option D: Logging and correlation are for threat detection, not stateful response.

Software Security Framework Overview

PCI SSC’s Software Security Framework (SSF) encompasses Secure Software Standard and Secure Software Lifecycle (Secure SLC) Standard.

Software developed under the Secure SLC Standard adheres to security-by-design principles and can leverage the SSF during PCI DSS assessments​​.

Applicability

The framework is primarily for software developed by entities or third parties adhering to PCI SSC standards.

It does not apply to legacy payment software listed under PA-DSS unless migrated to SSF​​.

Incorrect Options

Option A: Not all payment software qualifies; it must align with SSF requirements.

Option B: PCI PTS devices are subject to different security requirements.

Option C: PA-DSS-listed software does not automatically meet SSF standards without reassessment.

Key Management Requirements:

PCI DSS Requirement 3.5 specifies the protection of cryptographic keys, including encryption, storage in secure cryptographic devices (SCDs), or as key components to ensure security and prevent unauthorized access​​.

Clarifications on Cryptographic Key Protection:

A/B:Public keys and key strength requirements are not specified in this context.

D:Separation of duties mandates that key-encrypting and data-encrypting keys must not be assigned to the same custodian.

Testing and Validation:

QSAs verify compliance by examining key management practices, storage mechanisms, and access controls for cryptographic keys during the assessment​.

Protecting the Database Server

PCI DSS v4.0 requires that systems storing cardholder data, such as database servers, must not be directly accessible from untrusted networks (Requirement 1.3).

The database server should be behind network security controls like firewalls and placed in a segmented network isolated from untrusted networks​​.

Segmentation Best Practices

The web server, which interfaces with external users, can remain accessible from the Internet but should reside in a DMZ to prevent direct access to the internal network.

This separation protects the database server from external threats while maintaining system functionality​​.

Incorrect Options

Option A: Combining the web and database servers increases the attack surface and violates best practices.

Option C: Moving the web server to the internal network exposes the internal environment.

Option D: Segmentation is critical, but the reason is not solely to allow more concurrent connections.

Audit Log Access Control:

PCI DSS Requirement 10.7 restricts access to audit logs to individuals with a job-related need to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the logs​​.

Rationale for Job-Related Need:

Limiting access reduces the risk of tampering, accidental modification, or exposure of sensitive information.

Invalid Options:

A:Individuals who performed the activity should not necessarily view logs unless required.

B/C:Read/write access or administrator privileges are not prerequisites for log viewing.

Requirement Context:

PCI DSS Requirement 12.5 mandates that security policies and operational procedures are not only documented but also distributed to relevant parties to ensure clarity and compliance.

Importance of Distribution and Awareness:

All affected parties, including employees, contractors, and third parties with access to the cardholder data environment (CDE), must receive and understand the policies. This ensures they adhere to the security measures​​.

Review and Updates:

Security policies must be kept up to date and reviewed at least annually or after significant changes in the environment. While other options such as encryption or restricted access are important for security, the critical focus is on distribution and awareness to ensure operational effectiveness​​.

Testing and Validation:

During assessments, QSAs validate the implementation by examining training records, communication logs, and acknowledgment forms signed by affected parties​​.

Relevant PCI DSS v4.0 Guidance:

Section 12.5.1 of PCI DSS v4.0 outlines that the dissemination of policies must ensure that all personnel understand their roles in securing the environment​​.

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​.

Mandatory ROC Template

PCI DSS v4.0 mandates the use of the PCI SSC-provided ROC Template for all Reports on Compliance​​.

This ensures standardization, completeness, and accuracy in documenting compliance assessments.

Sections of the ROC Template

The ROC includes mandatory sections:

Assessment Overview:General details, scope validation, and assessment findings.

Findings and Observations:Detailed compliance status per requirement.

Prohibited Practices

Assessors cannot use self-created ROC templates. Deviation from the PCI SSC-approved template may result in rejection of the report​​.

Key Changes in v4.0

Enhanced focus on the integrity of reporting and inclusion of specific findings to ensure alignment with PCI DSS objectives.

Added support for the customized approach within the ROC structure​​.