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9.4.2 All media with cardholder data is classified in accordance with the sensitivity of the data.

Original requirement from PCI DSS v4.0.1

Defined Approach Requirements

9.4.2 All media with cardholder data is classified in accordance with the sensitivity of the data.

Defined Approach Testing Procedures

9.4.2.a Examine documentation to verify that procedures are defined for classifying media with cardholder data in accordance with the sensitivity of the data.

9.4.2.b Examine media logs or other documentation to verify that all media is classified in accordance with the sensitivity of the data.

Customized Approach Objective

Media are classified and protected appropriately.

Purpose

Media not identified as confidential may not be adequately protected or may be lost or stolen.

Good Practice

It is important that media be identified such that its classification status is apparent. This does not mean however that the media needs to have a "confidential" label.

purpose

Properly classify and label media containing cardholder data.

compliance strategies

  • Labeling standards
  • Periodic audits

typical policies

  • Media Classification Policy

common pitfalls

  • Unlabeled media
  • Incorrect classification

type

Process Control

difficulty

Low

key risks

  • Improper handling due to misclassification

recommendations

  • Automated labeling systems

Eligible SAQ

  • SAQ-A
  • SAQ-A-EP
  • SAQ-B
  • SAQ-B-IP
  • SAQ-C
  • SAQ-C-VT
  • SAQ-D MERCHANT
  • SAQ-D SERVICE PROVIDER

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