What should be done with accounts used by third parties for remote access?

In the context of PCI DSS requirements for managing third-party accounts used for remote access, the correct approach is to disable these accounts when they are not in use and to monitor them while they are active. This method balances security and usability effectively.

Disabling accounts when not in use minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. Keeping accounts inactive reduces the attack surface, as cybercriminals cannot exploit a disabled account. When these accounts are absolutely required—for example, during necessary maintenance or support tasks—monitoring their activity ensures that any suspicious actions can be identified and addressed promptly. This combination of disabling and monitoring aligns well with the PCI DSS mandate for strong access control measures, ensuring that only authorized users can access cardholder data and that their actions are traceable.

In contrast, perpetually active accounts pose significant risks, as they might be exploited without the knowledge of the organization. Activating accounts only during business hours can be limiting and does not provide a comprehensive security posture, especially when operational needs extend beyond those hours. Limiting access to specific IP addresses can enhance security, but it doesn't address the critical requirement of managing the accounts effectively by disabling them when unnecessary. Thus, regularly monitoring active accounts and disabling them when they're not needed encapsulates best practices for third-party access