How long must a QSA secure and maintain audit results and work papers according to PCI guidelines?

According to PCI DSS guidelines, a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) must secure and maintain audit results and work papers for a minimum of three years. This timeframe is established to ensure that there is adequate documentation available for reference and review, which is crucial for both compliance verification and potential audits by acquiring banks or card brands. Maintaining these records for three years allows for a sufficient retrospective analysis should any issues arise related to the security assessment conducted within that period.

The emphasis on a three-year retention period reflects the need for organizations to demonstrate compliance and accountability consistently over time, as security threats can evolve, and a historical perspective can aid in monitoring trends and improving security practices.