What is the primary goal of Requirement 3?

The primary goal of Requirement 3 in the PCI DSS is to protect stored cardholder data. This requirement is crucial because it addresses the need for safeguarding sensitive cardholder information, such as credit card numbers, expiration dates, and cardholder names, which could be targeted by cybercriminals. By ensuring that this data is properly protected, organizations mitigate the risk of data breaches and limit the potential impact if unauthorized access occurs.

Protection of stored cardholder data encompasses several measures, such as encryption, masking, and access controls, which contribute to the overall security and confidentiality of sensitive information. Meeting this requirement is essential for compliance with the PCI DSS and for maintaining consumer trust in payment systems.

The other options focus on different aspects of security but do not specifically address the protection of stored cardholder data, which is the central focus of Requirement 3. For instance, encrypting transmitted cardholder data relates to how data is protected in transit, while installing secure firewalls and regularly updating software pertain to broader security practices necessary for maintaining an overall secure environment. However, they do not directly target the specific protection of data that is being stored, which is the essence of Requirement 3.