Quick Answer
The correct answer is implementing logging and monitoring of all access to cardholder data, as this directly satisfies PCI DSS Requirement 10. This requirement mandates that organizations track and audit every interaction with cardholder environments, ensuring that any unauthorized access or suspicious activity is captured in immutable logs for forensic analysis. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this concept tests your understanding of compliance-driven controls versus security best practices—a common trap is confusing encryption or scanning frequency with logging mandates. Remember that PCI DSS explicitly calls for logging all access, not just attempts, and logs must be reviewed daily. A simple memory tip: “Log every knock on the data door” to recall that Requirement 10 is about access logging, not just encryption or testing schedules.
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of governance, risk and compliance. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A small business wants to achieve compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Which of the following is an essential requirement they must implement?
Implement logging and monitoring of all access to cardholder data
PCI DSS Requirement 10 requires logging and monitoring.
Encrypt all cardholder data at rest
Why wrong: Encryption at rest is required for some, not all merchants.
Conduct vulnerability scans on a monthly basis
Why wrong: Quarterly scans are required.
Perform continuous penetration testing
Why wrong: Annual penetration testing is required.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Implement logging and monitoring of all access to cardholder data
Option A is correct because PCI DSS Requirement 10 mandates logging and monitoring of access to cardholder data. Option B is wrong because encryption in transit is required, not at rest by all merchants. Option C is wrong because quarterly scans are required, not monthly. Option D is wrong because penetration testing is required annually, not continuously.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Implement logging and monitoring of all access to cardholder data
Why this is correct
PCI DSS Requirement 10 requires logging and monitoring.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Encrypt all cardholder data at rest
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest is required for some, not all merchants.
Conduct vulnerability scans on a monthly basis
Why it's wrong here
Quarterly scans are required.
Perform continuous penetration testing
Why it's wrong here
Annual penetration testing is required.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Governance, Risk and Compliance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Governance, Risk and Compliance — This question tests Governance, Risk and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Implement logging and monitoring of all access to cardholder data — Option A is correct because PCI DSS Requirement 10 mandates logging and monitoring of access to cardholder data. Option B is wrong because encryption in transit is required, not at rest by all merchants. Option C is wrong because quarterly scans are required, not monthly. Option D is wrong because penetration testing is required annually, not continuously.
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CAS-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-004 exam.
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