easyMultiple Choice
CCSP Practice Question: Deploying a cloud application that processes…
A company is deploying a cloud application that processes credit card transactions. Which standard must they comply with regarding data security?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between mandatory regulatory standards (like PCI DSS) and voluntary frameworks (like ISO 27001), leading candidates to mistakenly choose ISO 27001 because it is a well-known security standard.
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
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PCI DSS
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is the mandatory security standard for any organization that handles credit card transactions. It defines strict requirements for protecting cardholder data, including encryption, access control, and network segmentation. Since the application processes credit card transactions, compliance with PCI DSS is legally and contractually required.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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GDPR
Why it's wrong here
GDPR governs personal data protection for EU data subjects, not payment card data specifically. It applies to any processing of personal information, so it would be the answer for a scenario about privacy rights and lawful processing, but card transaction security mandates the PCI DSS framework.
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PCI DSS
Why this is correct
PCI DSS governs the storage, processing and transmission of cardholder data, so any application handling credit card transactions must comply. It mandates controls such as encryption, access restriction and network segmentation specifically for payment card environments.
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HIPAA
Why it's wrong here
HIPAA regulates protected health information held by covered entities and business associates, not cardholder data. It would be correct for a healthcare application handling medical records, but credit card transactions fall under PCI DSS, which prescribes controls for storing, processing and transmitting card data.
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ISO 27001
Why it's wrong here
ISO 27001 certifies an information security management system, a voluntary governance framework rather than a card-data mandate. It suits organisations demonstrating systematic security management, but PCI DSS is the contractual standard binding any entity that processes, stores or transmits cardholder data.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CCSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CCSP exam.