How often are public-facing web applications required to be reviewed?

The requirement for reviewing public-facing web applications at least annually is grounded in the need to maintain a strong security posture in the face of evolving threats and vulnerabilities. Public-facing applications are often targets for attacks, and an annual review ensures that any new security weaknesses or vulnerabilities that may have arisen due to code changes, developer turnover, or emerging attack vectors are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

Regular reviews contribute to identifying potential weaknesses in the application, ensuring compliance with security standards, and updating security measures to protect sensitive data. This frequency allows organizations to keep up with changing security practices and threats, thereby reinforcing the overall security of their systems and protecting cardholder data as required by the PCI DSS framework.

The other frequency options—every 6 months, every 2 years, or every 5 years—do not align with the established best practices and requirements set forth by PCI DSS for maintaining the security of public-facing applications. An annual review strikes a balance between thoroughness in monitoring security and practicality in implementation, making it the most suitable choice.