[PCI DSS 3.0] 7.2.1 Coverage of all system components

7.2.1 Coverage of all system components

7.2.1 Confirm that access control systems are in place on all system components.

Without a mechanism to restrict access based on user’s need to know, a user may unknowingly be granted access to cardholder data. An access control system automates the process of restricting access and assigning privileges. Additionally, a default “deny-all” setting ensures no one is granted access until and unless a rule is established specifically granting such access.

Note: Some access control systems are set by default to “allow-all,” thereby permitting access unless/until a rule is written to specifically deny it.