[2026] Pass PCI SSC QSA_New_V4 Exam in First Attempt Easily
The Most Efficient QSA_New_V4 Pdf Dumps For Assured Success
PCI SSC QSA_New_V4 Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Topic 1 |
|
| Topic 2 |
|
| Topic 3 |
|
| Topic 4 |
|
| Topic 5 |
|
NEW QUESTION # 16
At which step in the payment transaction process does the merchant's bank pay the merchant for the purchase, and the cardholder's bank bill the cardholder?
- A. Settlement
- B. Authorization
- C. Clearing
- D. Chargeback
Answer: A
Explanation:
Settlement in the Payment Process
* Settlement is the stage where the merchant's bank pays the merchant for the transaction, and the cardholder's bank debits the cardholder's account.
* PCI DSS does not explicitly describe the settlement process but emphasizes the protection of data during all stages.
Transaction Stages
* Authorization:Approves the transaction.
* Clearing:Data is sent to the cardholder's bank.
* Settlement:Funds are transferred between banks.
* Chargeback:Disputes are handled, and funds might be reversed.
NEW QUESTION # 17
An entity wants to use the Customized Approach. They are unsure how to complete the Controls Matrix or TRA. During the assessment, you spend time completing the Controls Matrix and the TRA, while also ensuring that the customized control is implemented securely. Which of the following statements is true?
- A. You can assess the customized control and verify that the customized approach was correctly followed, but you must document this in the ROC.
- B. Assessors are not allowed to assist an entity with the completion of the Controls Matrix or the TRA.
- C. You must document the work on the customized control in the ROC, but you can not assess the control or the documentation.
- D. You can assess the customized control, but another assessor must verify thatyou completed the TRA correctly.
Answer: A
Explanation:
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.
NEW QUESTION # 18
Where an entity under assessment is using the customized approach, which of the following steps is the responsibility of the assessor?
- A. Monitor the control.
- B. Document and maintain evidence about each customized control as defined in Appendix E of PCI DSS.
- C. Derive testing procedures and document them in Appendix E of the ROC.
- D. Perform the targeted risk analysis as per PCI DSS requirement 12.3.2.
Answer: C
Explanation:
Under theCustomized Approach, assessors are responsible forderiving and documenting the testing proceduresinAppendix E of the Report on Compliance (ROC). The assessor must ensure the controlmeets the requirement objectiveand validate it throughcustom testing.
* Option A:#Incorrect. Ongoing monitoring is the entity's responsibility, not the assessor's.
* Option B:#Correct. The assessor must derive anddocument testingin Appendix E.
* Option C:#Incorrect. The entity documents control details; the assessor documents test results.
* Option D:#Incorrect. Theentitymust perform the targeted risk analysis, not the assessor.
NEW QUESTION # 19
An LDAP server providing authentication services to the cardholder data environment is?
- A. In scope only if it stores, processes or transmits cardholder data.
- B. Not in scope for PCI DSS.
- C. In scope for PCI DSS.
- D. In scope only if it provides authentication services to systems in the DMZ.
Answer: C
Explanation:
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.
NEW QUESTION # 20
Which scenario meets PCI DSS requirements for critical systems to have correct and consistent time?
- A. Central time servers receive time signals from specific, approved external sources.
- B. Each Internal system Is configured to be Its own time server.
- C. Access to time configuration settings is available to all users of the system.
- D. Each internal system peers directly with an external source to ensure accuracy of time updates.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Time Synchronization Standards:
* PCI DSS Requirement 10.4 mandates that all critical systems use a centralized time server to ensure time accuracy across systems. Approved external sources provide a reliable and consistent time signal.
Correctness and Consistency of Time:
* Using a central time server ensures uniformity of timestamps, which is critical for forensic analysis, log correlation, and monitoring activities.
Invalid Options:
* A:Internal systems acting as their own servers could lead to inconsistent timestamps.
* B:Allowing all users access to time settings poses a security risk.
* D:Peering directly with external sources bypasses centralized control, violating consistency requirements.
NEW QUESTION # 21
PCI DSS Requirement 12.7 requires screening and background checks for which of the following?
- A. Cashiers with access to one card number at a time.
- B. Personnel with access to the cardholder data environment.
- C. All personnel employed by the organization.
- D. Visitors with access to the organization's facilities.
Answer: B
Explanation:
PCI DSS Requirement 12.7 mandates that organizations perform background checks on personnel who have access to the cardholder data environment (CDE) to ensure that individuals with malicious intent do not gain access to sensitive cardholder data.
* Option A:Incorrect. While conducting background checks on all personnel is a good security practice, PCI DSS specifically requires checks for those with access to the CDE.
* Option B:Correct. Background checks are required for personnel with access to the CDE to mitigate the risk of insider threats.
* Option C:Incorrect. Visitors are not typically subjected to background checks but should be escorted and monitored while in sensitive areas.
NEW QUESTION # 22
What do PCI DSS requirements for protecting cryptographic keys include?
- A. Private or secret keys must be encrypted, stored within an SCD, or stored as key components.
- B. Public keys must be encrypted with a key-encrypting key.
- C. Key-encrypting keys and data-encrypting keys must be assigned to the same key custodian.
- D. Data-encrypting keys must be stronger than the key-encrypting key that protects it.
Answer: A
Explanation:
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.
NEW QUESTION # 23
According to Requirement 1, what is the purpose of "Network Security Controls"?
- A. Control network traffic between two or more logical or physical network segments.
- B. Encrypt PAN when stored.
- C. Manage anti-malware throughout the CDE.
- D. Discover vulnerabilities and rank them.
Answer: A
Explanation:
According toRequirement 1.2.1of PCI DSS v4.0.1, network security controls (NSCs), such as firewalls and segmentation controls, are used torestrict and control trafficbetween trusted and untrusted networks. This includes logical or physical network segmentation.
* Option A:Incorrect. Anti-malware is addressed in Requirement 5.
* Option B:Correct. NSCs control and restrict inbound and outbound traffic between logical and physical network segments.
* Option C:Incorrect. Vulnerability management is under Requirement 6.
* Option D:Incorrect. PAN encryption is covered in Requirement 3.5.
NEW QUESTION # 24
In the ROC Reporting Template, which of the following Is the best approach for a response where the requirement was "In Place'?
- A. Details of how the assessor observed the entity's systems were compliant with the requirement.
- B. Details of the entity's reason for not implementing the requirement
- C. Details of the entity's project plan for implementing the requirement.
- D. Details of how the assessor observed the entity's systems were not compliant with the requirement
Answer: A
Explanation:
PCI DSS Reporting Expectations:
* When documenting that a requirement is "In Place," the ROC must clearly describe how compliance was validated by the assessor. This involves detailing the evidence observed, such as system configurations, documentation, and personnel interviews.
ROC Documentation Guidelines:
* The ROC Reporting Template specifies that each "In Place" response must include evidence demonstrating compliance with the requirement, such as testing observations and validation of implemented controls.
Eliminating Incorrect Options:
* A:Project plans are not sufficient to demonstrate current compliance.
* C/D:Responses discussing non-implementation or non-compliance are irrelevant when the requirement is "In Place." PCI DSS v4.0 ROC Template Guidance:
* Appendix sections in the ROC provide specific instructions for assessors to document the testing performed, evidence reviewed, and results.
NEW QUESTION # 25
Which of the following statements is true regarding track equivalent data on the chip of a payment card?
- A. It is sensitive authentication data.
- B. It is allowed to be stored by merchants after authorization, if encrypted.
- C. It is out of scope for PCI DSS.
- D. It is not applicable for PCI DSS Requirement 3.2.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Track equivalent data- whether from a magnetic stripe or embedded chip - falls underSensitive Authentication Data (SAD)and mustnot be stored after authorisation, even if encrypted. This is covered underRequirement 3.3.1and Table 3 in PCI DSS v4.0.1.
* Option A:#Incorrect. SADmust not be stored after authorisation, regardless of encryption.
* Option B:#Correct. Track equivalent data is explicitly defined asSAD.
* Option C:#Incorrect. SAD is fullyin-scopefor PCI DSS.
* Option D:#Incorrect. Requirement 3.2 and 3.3 specifically address SAD.
References:
PCI DSS v4.0.1 - Table 3: Account Data Element Storage Requirements; Requirements 3.3.1, 3.3.2.
NEW QUESTION # 26
Which statement about PAN is true?
- A. It must be protected with strong cryptography for transmission over private wired networks.
- B. It does not require protection for transmission over public wireless networks.
- C. It does not require protection for transmission over public wired networks.
- D. It must be protected with strong cryptography for transmission over private wireless networks.
Answer: D
Explanation:
Requirement 4.2.1.1states that PAN must beprotected with strong cryptographywhenever transmitted overopen or public networks, includingprivate wirelesswhere security is not assured. While not allprivate wired networksrequire encryption,wirelessis generally considered untrusted.
* Option A:#Correct. PAN must be encrypted overprivate wireless networksdue to potential interception risks.
* Option B:#Incorrect. Privatewirednetworks typically don't require encryption unless they're untrusted.
* Option C & D:#Incorrect. PANalways requires protectionover public networks.
NEW QUESTION # 27
Which of the following is true regarding internal vulnerability scans?
- A. They must be performed by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV).
- B. They must be performed at least annually.
- C. They must be performed after a significant change.
- D. They must be performed by QSA personnel.
Answer: C
Explanation:
Internal vulnerability scanning is addressed underRequirement 11.3.1. According to PCI DSS, internal vulnerability scansmust be conducted at least once every three monthsandafter any significant changein the environment, such as new system components, changes in network topology, firewall rule changes, or product upgrades.
* Option A:Correct. Scans must be performed after significant changes.
* Option B:Incorrect. Internal scansdo not require an ASV. ASVs are required for external vulnerability scans (Requirement 11.3.2).
* Option C:Incorrect. A QSA is not required to perform internal scans. They can be performed by qualified internal staff or third-party providers.
* Option D:Incorrect. Internal scans arerequired quarterly, not annually.
Reference:PCI DSS v4.0.1 - Requirement 11.3.1.1.
NEW QUESTION # 28
Which statement about the Attestation of Compliance (AOC) is correct?
- A. There are different AOC templates for service providers and merchants.
- B. The AOC must be signed by either the merchant/service provider or the QSA/ISA.
- C. The AOC must be signed by both the merchant/service provider and by PCI SSC.
- D. The same AOC template is used W ROCs and SAQs.
Answer: A
Explanation:
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.
NEW QUESTION # 29
Which of the following is true regarding compensating controls?
- A. A compensating control is not necessary if all other PCI DSS requirements are in place.
- B. A compensating control must address the risk associated with not adhering to the PCI DSS requirement.
- C. A compensating control worksheet is not required if the acquirer approves the compensating control.
- D. An existing PCI DSS requirement can be used as compensating control if it is already implemented.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Compensating Controls Definition and Purpose
* A compensating control is an alternate measure that satisfies the intent of a specific PCI DSS requirement and provides an equivalent level of security.
* The rationale and risk mitigation must be explicitly documented using the Compensating Control Worksheet (CCW).
Mandatory Documentation
* PCI DSS v4.0 mandates the use of a CCW when implementing compensating controls. This applies regardless of acquirer approvals.
* The CCW requires detailed documentation including:
* Constraints preventing the original requirement from being implemented.
* Justification for the compensating control.
* Description of the control and evidence of its effectiveness.
Using Existing Requirements
* If an existing PCI DSS requirement (e.g., Requirement 5 for antivirus) is already implemented and can mitigate the risks of not meeting another requirement, it may qualify as a compensating control.
Approval and Review Process
* QSAs must validate the implementation, effectiveness, and appropriateness of compensating controls during the assessment process
NEW QUESTION # 30
Which of the following describes the intent of installing one primary function per server?
- A. To prevent server functions with a lower security level from introducing security weaknesses to higher- security functions on the same server.
- B. To reduce the security level of functions with higher-security needs to meet the needs of lower-security functions.
- C. To allow functions with different security levels to be implemented on the same server.
- D. To allow higher-security functions to protect lower-security functions installed on the same server.
Answer: A
Explanation:
As perRequirement 2.2.1, the purpose of limiting each server to one primary function is toreduce the risk of functions with lower security needs compromising more critical functions.
* Option A:#Incorrect. PCI DSS discourages combining different security-level functions.
* Option B:#Correct. This is the intent: toprevent lower-security processes from weakening high-security environments.
* Option C:#Incorrect. Functions shouldn't depend on one another for security.
* Option D:#Incorrect. PCI DSS encourages raising security, not lowering it.
Reference:PCI DSS v4.0.1 - Requirement 2.2.1.
NEW QUESTION # 31
Which scenario describes segmentation of the cardholder data environment (CDE) for the purposes of reducing PCI DSS scope?
- A. Routers that monitor network traffic flows between the CDE and out-of-scope networks.
- B. Virtual LANs that route network traffic between the CDE and out-of-scope networks.
- C. Firewalls that log all network traffic flows between the CDE and out-of-scope networks.
- D. A network configuration that prevents all network traffic between the CDE and out-of-scope networks.
Answer: D
Explanation:
True segmentation, as defined inPCI DSS Scope Guidance, requiresenforcing isolationsuch thatno network traffic is allowed between the CDE and out-of-scope systems, unless explicitly permitted and secured. This is the only way toreduce assessment scopereliably.
* Option A:#Incorrect. Monitoring alone does not restrict or prevent access.
* Option B:#Incorrect. Logging without restriction doesnot isolatethe CDE.
* Option C:#Incorrect. VLANs may be part of segmentation, but routing traffic alone doesn't reduce scope.
* Option D:#Correct. This describesproper segmentation: no uncontrolled traffic into the CDE.
Reference:PCI DSS v4.0.1 - Section 4.2;Guidance on Scoping and Network Segmentation- Section 3.1 and
3.2.
NEW QUESTION # 32
What does the PCI PTS standard cover?
- A. End-lo-end encryption solutions for transmission of account data.
- B. Point-of-Interaction devices used to protect account data.
- C. Secure coding practices for commercial payment applications.
- D. Development of strong cryptographic algorithms.
Answer: B
Explanation:
PCI PIN Transaction Security (PTS) Standard:
* The PCI PTS standard focuses on securing Point-of-Interaction (POI) devices, such as payment terminals, that process payment card transactions and protect account data during capture.
Clarifications on Covered Areas:
* This standard includes specifications for physical and logical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive cardholder data on POI devices.
Invalid Options:
* B:Secure coding practices are addressed by PCI PA-DSS (Payment Application Data Security Standard).
* C:Cryptographic algorithm development is not specific to PCI PTS.
* D:End-to-end encryption solutions are not covered under PCI PTS.
NEW QUESTION # 33
Where can live PANs be used for testing?
- A. Pre-production environments thatare located within the CDE.
- B. Testing with live PANs must only be performed in the OSA Company environment.
- C. Production (live) environments only.
- D. Pre-production (test) environments only it located outside the CDE.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Testing with Live PANs
* PCI DSS Requirement 6.4.3 requires that live PANs (Primary Account Numbers) only be used in secure and controlled environments within the CDE.
* Pre-production environments located within the CDE must adhere to all PCI DSS requirements for security and monitoring.
Prohibited Uses
* Testing with live PANs in environments outside the CDE violates PCI DSS. Only simulated data should be used in less secure testing environments.
Incorrect Options
* Option A: Production environments are for real transactions, not testing.
* Option B: Test environments outside the CDE are insecure for live PANs.
* Option D: The QSA environment is irrelevant to the organization's CDE testing controls.
NEW QUESTION # 34
Which statement is true regarding the presence of both hashed and truncated versions of the same PAN in an environment?
- A. Controls are needed to prevent the original PAN being exposed by the hashed and truncated versions.
- B. Hashed and truncated versions of a PAN must not exist in same environment.
- C. The hashed version of the PAN must also be truncated per PCI DSS requirements for strong cryptography.
- D. The hashed and truncated versions must be correlated so the source PAN can be identified.
Answer: A
Explanation:
* Hashing and Truncation
* PCI DSS Requirement 3.4 mandates protecting stored PAN using methods like hashing and truncation. If both versions coexist, controls must ensure they cannot be combined to reconstruct the original PAN.
* Incorrect Options
* Option B: Truncation is unrelated to hashed PANs.
* Option C: Correlation of hashed and truncated versions to identify the PAN violates PCI DSS principles.
* Option D: Coexistence of hashed and truncated PANs is permissible if proper controls are in place.
NEW QUESTION # 35
Assigning a unique ID to each person is intended to ensure?
- A. Access is assigned to group accounts based on need-to-know.
- B. Individual users are accountable for their own actions.
- C. Strong passwords are used for each user account.
- D. Shared accounts are only used by administrators.
Answer: B
Explanation:
According toRequirement 8.2.1, PCI DSS mandates that all users be assigned aunique IDbefore accessing system components or cardholder data. This ensuresaccountability, enabling identification of actions taken by each user.
* Option A:#Incorrect. Password strength is addressed underRequirement 8.3, not unique ID.
* Option B:#Incorrect. Shared accounts areprohibitedregardless of admin status.
* Option C:#Correct. Unique IDs ensure thateach user's actions can be traced.
* Option D:#Incorrect. Group accounts are discouraged in favour of individual accountability.
NEW QUESTION # 36
What would be an appropriate strength for the key-encrypting key (KEK) used to protect an AES 128-bit data- encrypting key (DEK)?
- A. RSA 512
- B. AES 128
- C. DES 256
- D. ROT 13
Answer: B
Explanation:
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.
NEW QUESTION # 37
An LDAP server providing authentication services to the cardholder data environment is?
- A. In scope only if it stores, processes or transmits cardholder data.
- B. Not in scope for PCI DSS.
- C. In scope for PCI DSS.
- D. In scope only if it provides authentication services to systems in the DMZ.
Answer: C
Explanation:
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.
Reference:PCI DSS v4.0.1 - Section 4.2.1 (System Components In Scope).
NEW QUESTION # 38
An entity wants to know if the Software Security Framework can be leveraged during their assessment.
Which of the following software types would this apply to?
- A. Software developed by the entity in accordance with the Secure SLC Standard.
- B. Any payment software in the CDE.
- C. Validated Payment Applications that are listed by PCI SSC and have undergone a PA-DSS assessment.
- D. Only software which runs on PCI PTS devices.
Answer: A
Explanation:
TheSoftware Security Framework (SSF)is intended to support entities usingbespoke and custom softwarewithin the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE). If the software is developed and maintained in accordance with theSecure Software Lifecycle (SLC) Standard, it can help demonstrate secure software development practices and potentially reduce the number of applicable PCI DSS requirements.
* Option A:Incorrect. Not all payment software qualifies unless developed under SSF standards.
* Option B:Incorrect. PCI PTS devices follow different hardware security standards.
* Option C:Incorrect. PA-DSS has been retired; those applications are now listed as "Acceptable Only for Pre-Existing Deployments".
* Option D:Correct. Software developed under the Secure SLC Standard may help an entity meet some requirements in PCI DSS Requirement 6.
NEW QUESTION # 39
......
We offers you the latest free online QSA_New_V4 dumps to practice: https://www.examcost.com/QSA_New_V4-practice-exam.html
PCI SSC QSA_New_V4 Real Exam Questions Guaranteed Updated Dump: https://drive.google.com/open?id=17roVjQA1_QXzswjRlZZ4gGK1kzeR275d
