Which of the following should NOT be included in security goals?

The inclusion of maximizing financial profit in security goals is not aligned with the fundamental purpose of security initiatives within organizations, especially in the context of PCI DSS compliance. Security goals are primarily focused on protecting sensitive data, mitigating risks, and ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of that data.

Effective security measures require a commitment to maintaining robust practices that prioritize the safety of cardholder information and compliance with the PCI DSS standards. While financial outcomes may be a consideration for the overall business strategy, they do not directly contribute to establishing a security framework. The main focus should be on risk management, compliance, and safeguarding data rather than on profit maximization.

In contrast, continuous monitoring and testing, documenting implementation and effectiveness, and monitoring the status of controls and activities are all critical components of a successful security strategy. These elements help organizations to proactively identify vulnerabilities, assess the effectiveness of their security measures, and ensure that any potential threats are addressed in a timely manner, all of which contribute to a secure environment for cardholder data.