This question determines the scope of the CSCF for a Treasury Management System (TMS) and an MQ server (customer connector) installed on the same machine.
Step 1: Understand CSCF Scope
TheCSCF v2024defines its scope as systems directly involved in Swift messaging, connectivity, or security (e.g., customer connectors, messaging interfaces), as perControl 1.1: Swift Environment Protection. Back-office systems, like TMS, are typically out of scope unless they directly process Swift messages.
Step 2: Analyze the Scenario
TMS Application: A Treasury Management System is a back-office application for financial management, not a Swift messaging component. TheCSCF v2024excludes back-office systems from mandatory scope unless they pose a direct risk to Swift components.
MQ Server (Customer Connector): This middleware server connects to a Service Bureau, facilitating Swift traffic, making it in scope perControl 1.1.
Hosting System: The machine hosting both applications is in scope only to the extent it supports the MQ server, not the TMS.
Step 3: Evaluate Each Option
A. The TMS application, the MQ server and hosting system are in the scope of the CSCF and must be placed in a secure zoneIncorrect. The TMS is out of scope, and the hosting system’s inclusion depends on the MQ server, not the TMS.Conclusion: Incorrect.
B. The TMS application, the MQ server and hosting system enters the scope of the CSCF advisory and should be placed in a secure zoneIncorrect. The CSCF advisory scope applies to best practices, not mandatory controls, and does not mandate a secure zone for out-of-scope TMS.Conclusion: Incorrect.
C. Only the MQ server application is in scope of the CSCF. The TMS application is considered as back-officeCorrect. The MQ server is a customer connector, in scope perControl 1.1, while the TMS is a back-office system, excluded from mandatory scope per theCSCF v2024Introduction.Conclusion: Correct.
D. The TMS application is the highest risk and must be secured appropriately. The MQ server should be secured on a best effort basisIncorrect. The MQ server, as a Swift component, has higher CSCF priority, while TMS risk is managed outside CSCF scope.Conclusion: Incorrect.
Step 4: Conclusion and Verification
The correct answer isC, as only the MQ server is in scope, and the TMS is a back-office system excluded from CSCF requirements.
References
Swift Customer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) v2024, Control 1.1: Swift Environment Protection, Introduction Section: Scope.
Swift CSP FAQ, Section: Back-Office Systems.
