According to PCI DSS, what should access to cardholder data be based on?

Access to cardholder data should be based on a need-to-know basis in order to ensure the security and confidentiality of sensitive payment information. This principle restricts access to only those individuals who require it to perform their job functions, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or potential data breaches.

By following this approach, organizations can implement tighter controls and reduce the number of people who have access to sensitive data. This aligns with the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) guidelines, which are designed to enhance the security of credit and debit card transactions and protect cardholder information.

This need-to-know principle emphasizes the importance of safeguarding cardholder data, as unrestricted or overly broad access could lead to increased vulnerabilities and potential misuse of that information. Hence, restricting access to only authorized personnel who need the data for their roles is a fundamental component of a robust security strategy in line with PCI DSS requirements.