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DSS Compliance & Standards Flashcards

7 cards from real PCI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 DSS Compliance & Standards flashcards as text
  1. According to Req. 3.3.1, what must happen to sensitive authentication data (SAD) after authorization?

    Answer: It must not be retained, even if encrypted

    SAD, including full track data, CVV2, and PIN blocks, must not be stored after authorization.

  2. When PAN is displayed, what is the maximum that may be shown under Req. 3.4.1 for a business need?

    Answer: The BIN and the last four digits

    Displayed PAN must be masked so at most the BIN and last four digits are visible.

  3. Requirement 4.2.1 requires which protection for PAN transmitted over open, public networks?

    Answer: Strong cryptography and security protocols

    Strong cryptography and trusted keys/certificates must protect PAN in transit over open public networks.

  4. What is the minimum audit log retention under Req. 10.5.1?

    Answer: 12 months, with the most recent 3 months immediately available

    Retain audit log history for at least 12 months, with the latest three months immediately available.

  5. How often must internal vulnerability scans be performed under Req. 11.3.1?

    Answer: At least once every three months

    Internal scans are required at least once every three months and after significant change rescans as needed.

  6. Under Req. 11.4.2, how often must internal penetration testing be performed?

    Answer: At least once every 12 months and after significant changes

    Internal pen tests are required at least annually and after significant infrastructure or application changes.

  7. What is the minimum password length for systems under Req. 8.3.6 (when passwords are used) in PCI DSS v4.0?

    Answer: 12 characters

    v4.0 raised the minimum password length from 7 to 12 characters (or 8 if the system doesn't support 12).

How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

  1. pcisecuritystandards.org — Test delivery, eligibility, fees, exam format, passing score, renewal, retake fee, retake policy, score release, test dates · verified Oct 2026
  2. pearsonvue.com — Test delivery · verified Oct 2026