CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
An IS auditor is assessing the effectiveness of network segmentation for a payment card processing environment. Which of the following is the PRIMARY benefit of network segmentation in meeting PCI DSS requirements?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Reduced scope of the PCI DSS assessment
Network segmentation reduces the scope of the PCI DSS assessment by isolating the cardholder data environment from other networks, so only systems that handle card data need to comply with PCI DSS.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Reduced scope of the PCI DSS assessment
Why this is correct
Segmentation allows the cardholder data environment to be isolated, reducing the number of systems that must be compliant.
- ✗
Improved network performance
Why it's wrong here
Performance is a secondary benefit, not the primary PCI DSS benefit.
- ✗
Elimination of the need for firewalls
Why it's wrong here
Firewalls are still required; segmentation uses firewalls.
- ✗
Simplified patch management
Why it's wrong here
Patch management is independent of segmentation.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA exam.