9.3 Physical access for personnel and visitors is authorized and managed.
This requirement focuses on controlling and managing physical access to sensitive areas within the cardholder data environment (CDE), ensuring that only authorized personnel with legitimate business needs can access these areas and that visitor access is properly managed.
Sub-requirements:
- 9.3.1.1 Physical access to sensitive areas within the CDE for personnel is controlled as follows:
- 9.3.1 Procedures are implemented for authorizing and managing physical access of personnel to the CDE, including:
- 9.3.2 Procedures are implemented for authorizing and managing visitor access to the CDE, including:
- 9.3.3 Visitor badges or identification are surrendered or deactivated before visitors leave the facility or at the date of expiration.
- 9.3.4 Visitor logs are used to maintain a physical record of visitor activity both within the facility and within sensitive areas, including:
9.3. Visitor access to sensitive areas is controlled and monitored.
Ensure that all visitor access to sensitive areas is authorized, logged, escorted, and monitored.
Key Risks
Frequently Asked Questions
How should visitor access be managed?
By verifying identity, logging entry and exit, issuing badges, and requiring escorts in sensitive areas.
What is required for visitor badges?
They must be easily distinguishable from employee badges and collected upon exit.
How are visitor logs maintained?
Electronically or on paper, with records retained for at least three months.
Who is responsible for escorting visitors?
Authorized employees assigned to the visitor.
What happens if a visitor badge is not returned?
It is reported and access is revoked; the incident is investigated.
Common QSA Questions
Can you show visitor logs and badge issuance records?
Yes, we maintain detailed logs and records for all visitors.
How do you ensure visitors are always escorted?
We have procedures and staff training to ensure visitors are never left unescorted.
How are visitor badges tracked and collected?
Badges are issued at entry and must be returned at exit, with logs updated accordingly.
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