CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

In evaluating security risks for a cloud-hosted credit card processing platform, which is a critical consideration?

1. Server speed and memory

2. Regulatory restrictions on credit card processing

3. Cloud provider marketing strategies

4. Availability of new technology

The correct answer is: Regulatory restrictions on credit card processing

In the context of a cloud-hosted credit card processing platform, regulatory restrictions on credit card processing are paramount because they directly impact how personal and financial information must be handled to comply with laws such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). These regulations impose stringent security requirements on entities that process cardholder data, including data encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments. Failing to comply with these regulations not only poses security risks but can also lead to significant legal penalties and damage to a company's reputation. On the other hand, while factors such as server speed, memory, and technology availability are important for performance and operational efficiency, they do not directly mitigate the risk of non-compliance with security regulations. Similarly, marketing strategies employed by cloud providers may highlight certain features but do not address the critical need for compliance with industry regulations that protect sensitive customer information.