What is considered sensitive authentication data?

Sensitive authentication data refers specifically to information that is critical in the payment card transaction process and is necessary for authenticating the cardholder during transactions. This includes data that could potentially be misused if exposed. The correct answer includes card verification codes (CVC or CVV), full track data from magnetic stripes, and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs).

Card verification codes are used to verify that the person making the transaction possesses the physical card, helping to mitigate fraud. Full track data contains comprehensive information about the cardholder and their card, and PINs are used to verify the identity of the cardholder during electronic transactions. Because of their sensitive nature and potential for misuse, the storage and transmission of this type of data are heavily regulated under the PCI DSS standards.

In contrast, the other options do not fall under the definition of sensitive authentication data. Customer addresses and emails, while important for contact and shipping purposes, do not serve a role in the authentication process. Transaction amounts and dates are transactional details, not authentication data. Credit card rewards points, while related to customer loyalty programs, do not have a safeguarding role in the authentication process either. Hence, these items do not qualify as sensitive authentication data in the context of PCI DSS.