What does SAQ stand for in the context of PCI DSS?

The correct term SAQ stands for Self Assessment Questionnaire in the context of PCI DSS. The Self Assessment Questionnaire is a tool designed for smaller merchants and service providers to demonstrate compliance with PCI DSS requirements without undergoing a full PCI DSS assessment by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).

SAQs are structured in a way that allows organizations to evaluate their own compliance status by answering a series of questions tailored to their payment environments. This helps smaller entities to assess their security posture concerning payment card data and take necessary actions to improve their security measures.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established terminology within PCI DSS. "System Assessment Query" and "Security Assessment Query" suggest a focus on technical assessment processes rather than self-evaluation by organizations. "Standardized Assessment Query" implies a one-size-fits-all approach that contradicts the tailored nature of the SAQs designed for different types of merchants and their specific environments. Therefore, understanding that SAQ refers to Self Assessment Questionnaire is crucial for organizations navigating PCI compliance.