What is the goal of Requirement 10 regarding network access?

The goal of Requirement 10 in the PCI DSS framework is to track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data. This requirement is essential for ensuring that all activities related to accessing sensitive data are recorded and can be reviewed. By monitoring access, organizations can identify and respond to unauthorized access attempts, ensure compliance with security policies, and maintain the integrity of cardholder data.

Effective tracking and monitoring serve several purposes, including the ability to detect unauthorized modifications or access, investigate potential breaches, and enhance the overall security posture of the organization. The requirement emphasizes the use of logging mechanisms, which are critical for maintaining an audit trail that can help with forensic investigations in case of a security incident.

The other options, while important aspects of a comprehensive security strategy, do not directly address the primary goal of Requirement 10. Encrypting cardholder data is crucial for protecting data at rest and in transit but is not related to the tracking and monitoring of access. Regular testing of security systems is significant for identifying vulnerabilities, although it does not specifically focus on access monitoring. Maintaining an information security policy is essential for guiding overall security practices but does not encompass the specific tracking and logging of access to sensitive data and network resources. Thus, the focus of Requirement 10 is