What documentation should an ISA maintain?

The key responsibility of an Internal Security Assessor (ISA) is to evaluate and ensure compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Maintaining thorough documentation is essential for this role, and the most relevant documentation includes assessment reports, compliance evidence, and security policies.

Assessment reports provide insights into the findings of the security assessments, detailing any vulnerabilities or areas for improvement identified during the evaluations. Compliance evidence serves as proof that the organization adheres to the PCI DSS requirements, helping to validate the effectiveness of the security measures in place. Security policies outline the protocols and procedures that govern the handling of cardholder data and the security posture of the organization. Together, this documentation forms a comprehensive record that not only assists in the assessment process but also supports ongoing compliance efforts and helps facilitate audits.

In contrast, while training manuals and user guides (first option) may be beneficial for individual employee onboarding and security awareness, they do not directly relate to the ISA’s primary responsibilities concerning PCI DSS compliance. Job descriptions and performance reviews (third option) pertain more to human resource functions rather than compliance documentation. Network diagrams and system architecture (fourth option) are useful in understanding the technical environment but do not encapsulate the compliance-related documentation necessary for PCI DSS assessments.