Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The validation of anti-virus software operating in a PCI DSS compliant manner involves ensuring that the software is actively providing protection against malware and other threats. By examining system configurations to verify that the anti-virus software is actively running, assessors can confirm that the necessary protections are in place. This is a direct indicator of the software's functionality and its role in safeguarding cardholder data, which is a fundamental requirement of the PCI DSS.

Anti-virus software must consistently be active to monitor and mitigate risks associated with malware. If the software is not running, it cannot provide the protection required by the standards. Therefore, checking the system configurations is a critical step in establishing compliance since it demonstrates that the organization takes necessary precautions against threats effectively.

This approach focuses specifically on the operational status of the anti-virus software, ensuring it is performing as intended, which is essential for maintaining a secure environment for payment card data. Other options do not focus on confirming the active status of the software, which is the core issue of compliance in this context.