Defined Approach Requirements
1.2.8 Configuration files for NSCs are:
• Secured from unauthorized access.
• Kept consistent with active network configurations.
Customized Approach Objective
NSCs cannot be defined or modified using untrusted configuration objects (including files).
Applicability Notes
Any file or setting used to configure or synchronize NSCs is considered to be a “configuration file.” This includes files, automated and system-based controls, scripts, settings, infrastructure as code, or other parameters that are backed up, archived, or stored remotely.
Defined Approach Testing Procedures
1.2.8 Examine configuration files for NSCs to verify they are in accordance with all elements specified in this requirement.
Purpose of requirement and procedures
To prevent unauthorized configurations from being applied to the network, stored files with configurations for network controls need to be
kept up to date and secured against unauthorized changes.
Keeping configuration information current and secure ensures that the correct settings for NSCs are applied whenever the configuration is run.
Examples
If the secure configuration for a router is stored in non-volatile memory, when that router is restarted or rebooted, these controls should ensure that its secure configuration is reinstated.
Good practice
[No detail is provided here in the PCI DSS 4.0]
Definitions
[No detail is provided here in the PCI DSS 4.0]
Note: This sub-requirement requirement falls within the primary PCI DSS Requirement 1: Install and Maintain Network Security Controls and secondary requirement 1.2 Network security controls (NSCs) are configured and maintained..
What is the PCI DSS
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards formed in 2004 by Visa, MasterCard, Discover Financial Services, JCB International and American Express. Governed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), the compliance scheme aims to secure credit and debit card transactions against data theft and fraud.
While the PCI SSC has no legal authority to compel compliance, it is a requirement for any business that processes credit or debit card transactions. PCI certification is also considered the best way to safeguard sensitive data and information, thereby helping businesses build long lasting and trusting relationships with their customers.
Source: https://www.imperva.com/learn/data-security/pci-dss-certification/
What is the PCI SSC
The PCI SSC mission is to enhance global payment account data security by developing standards and supporting services that drive education, awareness, and effective implementation by stakeholders. We achieve this with a strategic framework to guide our decision-making process and ensure that every initiative is aligned with our mission and supports the needs of the global payments industry.
The four pillars of our strategic framework include:
- Increase industry participation and knowledge in the PCI Standards development process and stakeholder support for standards implementation. This ensures that standards and resources reflect and address industry needs and challenges.
- Evolve security standards and validation programs to support a range of environments, technologies and methodologies for achieving security. This ensures standards and resources that support and enable safe commerce and the flexibility to use different approaches to meet those standards.
- Secure emerging payment channels via development of PCI Standards and resources to support broader payment acceptance. This enables safe commerce in new and emerging card and card-based payment channels such as mobile and internet-of-things.
- Increase standards alignment and consistency of PCI Standards to minimize redundancy and support effective implementation.
PCI DSS certification
PCI certification ensures the security of card data at your business through a set of requirements established by the PCI SSC. These include a number of commonly known best practices, such as:
- Installation of firewalls
- Encryption of data transmissions
- Use of anti-virus software
Source: https://www.imperva.com/learn/data-security/pci-dss-certification/
You can learn more about the PCI DSS at https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/