Which statement is correct about the relationship between business changes and CDE scope?

The correct assertion is that business changes can potentially change CDE (Cardholder Data Environment) scope. The Cardholder Data Environment refers to the people, processes, and technology that store, process, or transmit cardholder data. As organizations evolve, various business changes — such as mergers, acquisitions, the introduction of new services or products, or changes in payment processing methods — can lead to a modification of how and where cardholder data is handled.

These changes can alter the boundaries of the CDE. For example, if a new service is introduced that involves the processing of cardholder data, this could expand the CDE scope. Conversely, if a service is discontinued that previously handled cardholder data, it could reduce the CDE scope. Therefore, it's essential for organizations to regularly assess their CDE scope in light of any business changes to ensure they are still compliant with PCI DSS requirements. This thoughtful evaluation helps maintain the security of cardholder data and is a key part of ongoing risk management.

The importance of this relationship emphasizes the need for organizations to stay vigilant and responsive to both technological and business changes to effectively manage their compliance landscape.