A retail merchant has a server room containing systems that store encrypted PAN data.

PCI DSS Requirement 9.1.1 requires entities to use appropriate facility entry controls to limit and monitor physical access to systems in the cardholder data environment (CDE)1. A badge access-control system is one example of such a control, as it can identify who entered and exited the server room and when. However, this control is only effective if it is protected from tampering or disabling by unauthorized persons, as PCI DSS Requirement 9.1.2 states1. Otherwise, the access-control system could be bypassed or compromised, allowing unauthorized access to the systems that store encrypted PAN data. Therefore, the badge access-control system must be protected from tampering or disabling, as stated in option A.

The other options are not true regarding PCI DSS physical security requirements for a server room. Option B is not true because PCI DSS does not mandate the use of video cameras in addition to the existing access-control system, although it is a recommended best practice2. Option C is not true because PCI DSS does not specify a data retention period for the access-control system, although it requires entities to retain audit trail history for at least one year, with a minimum of three months immediately available for analysis3. Option D is not true because PCI DSS does not require the use of motion-sensing alarms in addition to the existing access-control system, although it is another recommended best practice2. References:

PCI DSS v3.2.1

PCI DSS Requirement 9: Upping Your Physical Security

PCI DSS Requirement 10: Track and Monitor All Access to Network Resources and Cardholder Data