PCI SSC Qualified Security Assessor V4 Exam QSA_New_V4 Exam Dumps: Updated Questions & Answers (October 2025)

 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​

 Requirement for Secure Transmission:

PCI DSS Requirement 4.1 mandates that cardholder data sent over open public networks must be protected with strong cryptographic protocols. Accepting only trusted keys ensures data integrity and prevents unauthorized access​​.

 Key Validation Practices:

Trusted keys and certificates are verified to ensure authenticity. Using untrusted keys compromises the security of the encrypted communication.

 Prohibited Practices:

A/D:Configuring protocols to accept all certificates or lower encryption strength violates PCI DSS encryption guidelines.

B:Proprietary protocols are not inherently compliant unless they meet strong cryptographic standards.

 Testing and Verification:

Assessors verify the implementation of trusted keys by examining encryption settings, reviewing certificate chains, and conducting tests to confirm only trusted connections are accepted​​.

PCI DSS allows an entity touse both Defined and Customized Approaches, including for different sub-requirements of the same primary requirement,as long as they are eligible and justified. Entities might use the Defined Approach for standard controls and the Customized Approach where flexibility is needed.

Option A:Incorrect. PCI DSS explicitly allows mixed use per Requirement 8 guidance.

Option B:Incorrect. Compensating controls are separate from the Customized Approach.

Option C:Incorrect. Eligibility is not based solely on the absence of compensating controls.

Option D:Correct. Mixed approaches are allowed if eligibility requirements are met.

According toSection 7 – Description of Timeframes Used in PCI DSS Requirements, the PCI DSS defines "quarterly" as:

“An activity performed once per calendar quarter (i.e., one time in each three-month period), or as close as reasonably possible to the calendar quarter.”

Option A:✅Correct. This aligns precisely with PCI DSS’s definition —once in each three-month calendar quarter.

Option B:❌Incorrect. PCI DSS doesnotdefine quarterly by a fixed number of days.

Option C & D:❌Incorrect. Specific dates or months are not prescribed.

 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.

Requirement 8.4.2defines multi-factor authentication (MFA) asauthentication that requires at least two of the following:

Something you know (password/PIN)

Something you have (smart card/token)

Something you are (biometric)

Option A:❌Incorrect. Presenting the same token twice is stillsingle-factor.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Two passwords arestill one factor— “something you know”.

Option C:✅Correct. Password (something you know) + smart card (something you have) =MFA.

Option D:❌Incorrect. Fingerprint and thumbprint are bothbiometrics, so one factor.

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.

According toRequirement 9.4.2.2, visitors must beescorted at all timesin areas where cardholder data is stored or processed. This is a key component of physical access control and is intended to prevent unauthorised access or tampering.

Option A:✅Correct. Escorts aremandatoryfor visitors in sensitive areas.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Visitor badgesmust be distinguishablefrom employee badges.

Option C:❌Incorrect. PCI DSS requires name and firm represented, butnot full address or phone.

Option D:❌Incorrect. Visitor badges must besurrendered or deactivatedimmediately after the visit ends.

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.

PCI DSSRequirement 8.4.2requiresmulti-factor authentication (MFA)to consist of two or moreindependent authentication factors. MFA must alsonot involve shared credentials, so each certificate must be tied to a specific individual.

Option A:❌Incorrect. MFA must apply toall applicable users, not just admins.

Option B:✅Correct. This meets PCI DSS: unique credentials per user and non-shared certificates.

Option C:❌Incorrect. Retaining certificates post-employment is a risk, not a compliance action.

Option D:❌Incorrect. PCI DSS doesn’t mandate 90-day certificate rotation; rather, secure usage and revocation are key.