What is allowed for sampling in relation to business facilities/system components?

Sampling in the context of business facilities and system components is an important practice that allows assessors to evaluate compliance with PCI DSS without needing to assess every single component or system in detail. It is a method that enables efficiency and practicality during audits.

When sampling is allowed, it is essential to ensure that all PCI DSS requirements are taken into consideration. This means that the sampling strategy should be systematically designed to encompass a representative selection of components and processes that are integral to the security of cardholder data. By considering all PCI DSS requirements during this process, the assessment maintains its integrity and comprehensiveness, giving confidence that the compliance status reflects the overall security posture of the organization.

This approach balances the need for thoroughness in evaluation with the pragmatic constraints of time and resources often faced by businesses. It allows auditors to focus on critical areas while still ensuring that compliance is verified across diverse aspects of the organization's operations.