PCI DSS 10.1.2: Assign Logging and Monitoring Roles and Responsibilities
PCI DSS 10.1.2 requires your organization to formally document, assign, and communicate who owns logging and monitoring activities across your payment card environment. Without clear role assignments, logging efforts become fragmented, audit trails go unreviewed, and compliance gaps widen. This control establishes accountability for the entire Requirement 10 program.
What this means
This control mandates that you create documented role definitions for all personnel involved in Requirement 10 activities—including log generation, collection, review, retention, and investigation. These roles must be explicitly assigned to individuals or teams, and all responsible parties must understand their obligations. This includes security teams, system administrators, compliance officers, and anyone handling log data in your cardholder data environment.
How to comply
- 1.Create a documented RACI matrix or role definition document specifying who owns each Requirement 10 activity (log generation, collection, analysis, retention, breach investigation)
- 2.Assign specific roles to named individuals or teams with clear ownership boundaries to prevent gaps and duplication
- 3.Communicate role assignments to all responsible parties through formal documentation, training, or acknowledgment forms
- 4.Define escalation paths and decision-making authority for log review findings and security incidents
- 5.Include role responsibilities in job descriptions and performance expectations for relevant staff
- 6.Review and update role assignments annually or when organizational structure changes
Evidence auditors look for
- Documented role matrix showing log administrator, security analyst, incident responder, and compliance owner assignments
- Job descriptions containing Requirement 10 responsibilities for IT, security, and compliance staff
- Signed acknowledgment forms from employees confirming understanding of their logging and monitoring duties
- Org chart with designated owners for log collection, review, retention, and incident investigation
- Policy document defining escalation procedures for suspicious log entries or security events
- Training records showing role-specific education on logging responsibilities
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automates role assignment tracking and sends reminders when Requirement 10 owners need to perform reviews or update responsibilities, eliminating the manual spreadsheets that cause compliance drift.
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