Level 1 and Level 2 merchants must include _____________ in their PCI DSS compliance validation reporting process?

Level 1 and Level 2 merchants must include ASV (Approved Scanning Vendor) scan results in their PCI DSS compliance validation reporting process. This requirement stems from the necessity to ensure that all systems that handle cardholder data are regularly scanned for vulnerabilities. An ASV scan is a crucial component of the compliance process, as it identifies potential weaknesses in an organization’s systems that could be exploited by attackers.

Performing ASV scans helps to maintain a proactive posture regarding security, ensuring that the organization can address any vulnerabilities before they lead to data breaches. Including these results in the PCI DSS compliance validation documentation demonstrates that the merchant is diligently assessing its network for security vulnerabilities, which is essential for compliance.

Other options like the self-assessment questionnaire, transaction reports, and customer feedback do not meet the specific requirements laid out for Level 1 and Level 2 merchants in the context of PCI DSS compliance validation. These elements may be relevant in broader compliance efforts or operational assessments but are not mandated in the same manner as ASV scans.