Which statement best describes the requirement for security policies and procedures protecting stored cardholder data?

Which statement best describes the requirement for security policies and procedures protecting stored cardholder data?

• A. Only documented and used.
• B. Not required to be known by users.
• C. Documented, in use, and known to all affected parties.
• D. Must be stored offsite.

Answer: (C)

Security policies and procedures must be formal, actively used, and understood by those affected. The statement that best fits this requirement is that they are documented, in use, and known to all affected parties. Documentation provides a clear standard to follow, implementing the procedures ensures the controls are actually practiced, and making them known to everyone involved ensures accountability and proper execution. If policies exist but aren’t actively used, or if users aren’t aware of them, enforcement and consistent security fail. Storing policies offsite isn’t the point here, and merely having them written down doesn’t guarantee adherence.

Security policies and procedures must be formal, actively used, and understood by those affected. The statement that best fits this requirement is that they are documented, in use, and known to all affected parties. Documentation provides a clear standard to follow, implementing the procedures ensures the controls are actually practiced, and making them known to everyone involved ensures accountability and proper execution. If policies exist but aren’t actively used, or if users aren’t aware of them, enforcement and consistent security fail. Storing policies offsite isn’t the point here, and merely having them written down doesn’t guarantee adherence.