What constitutes "cardholder data"?

The definition of "cardholder data" according to PCI DSS includes critical information that can be used to identify or authenticate a cardholder during a payment transaction. The correct answer encompasses the primary account number (PAN), cardholder name, and expiration date. Each of these elements serves a specific purpose and can individually or collectively expose sensitive information about a cardholder when handled improperly.

The primary account number is essential as it uniquely identifies the cardholder's account; the cardholder name is necessary for authentication purposes, ensuring the card matches the person using it; and the expiration date is crucial for verifying that the card is still valid. Together, these elements make up the core cardholder data that must be protected to ensure compliance with PCI DSS standards.

In contrast, other choices fail to capture the full scope of what constitutes cardholder data. For example, considering only the cardholder name or just the primary account number does not provide a complete picture of the information at risk. Similarly, cardholder names and addresses alone do not qualify as cardholder data because they exclude the critical elements necessary for transaction processing and security.