PCI QSA_New_V4 Exam Dumps

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.

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.

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.

Key Management Requirements:

PCI DSS Requirement 3.6.5 specifies that when a cryptographic key is retired, it must no longer be used for encryption operations but may still be retained for decryption purposes as needed (e.g., to decrypt historical data until it is re-encrypted with the new key).

Secure Key Retirement:

Retired keys should be securely stored or destroyed based on the organization's key management policy to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.

Reference in PCI DSS Documentation:

Section 3.6.5 emphasizes that retired keys must be rendered inactive for further encryption while allowing use for decryption, ensuring data continuity and compliance.

Definition of Quarterly:

PCI DSS defines 'quarterly' as occurring once within each calendar quarter. This means the activity must happen at least once in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, with no rigid restrictions on specific days.

Clarification on Other Options:

B: While 95--97 days approximates a quarter, it is not mandated as a rigid timeframe.

C/D: Fixed dates (e.g., 15th or 1st of specific months) are not prescribed in PCI DSS.