Requirement 10 ensures what regarding cardholder data?

Requirement 10 of the PCI DSS focuses on tracking and monitoring all access to cardholder data. This is crucial for maintaining a secure environment and ensuring that any access to sensitive data can be accounted for and audited. By requiring organizations to implement logging mechanisms and monitor access, this requirement helps detect and respond to security breaches promptly.

Monitoring access provides visibility into who is accessing cardholder data, when, and for what purpose. This practice not only aids in identifying malicious activity but also supports compliance with regulatory expectations regarding data protection. The emphasis on tracking and monitoring assists organizations in understanding their security posture, identifying vulnerabilities, and reinforcing accountability among personnel handling cardholder data.

While encrypting data during transmission, restricting access, and securely storing data are also important elements of PCI DSS, they are primarily addressed in other requirements. Requirement 10 specifically targets the need for thorough logging and monitoring of data access to enhance security and compliance.