PCI DSS 5.2.3: Periodically Evaluate Low-Risk Components

What this means

This control mandates that organizations identify, document, and periodically reassess system components that have minimal or no malware risk. Low-risk components typically include devices with no network connectivity, legacy systems running non-exploitable software, or isolated infrastructure. The key requirement is maintaining an up-to-date documented list with clear justification for why each component is classified as low-risk, plus evidence of periodic evaluation to confirm their status remains valid.

How to comply

1. 1.Create a documented inventory listing all system components identified as low-risk for malware
2. 2.Document the assessment criteria and justification for each component's low-risk classification
3. 3.Define a periodic evaluation schedule (at least annually or after significant infrastructure changes)
4. 4.Conduct scheduled assessments to confirm components remain low-risk and update the inventory accordingly
5. 5.Review and approve the documented list and assessment results with appropriate stakeholders
6. 6.Retain evidence of all evaluations and reassessments for audit purposes

Evidence auditors look for

• Documented inventory of low-risk components with classification rationale
• Assessment worksheet showing evaluation criteria and results
• Annual or periodic evaluation reports confirming low-risk status
• Change management records showing inventory updates after infrastructure modifications
• Approval documentation from management or compliance teams
• Interview notes confirming awareness of low-risk component policies

Frequently asked questions

GRCWatch automates low-risk component inventory management and scheduling of periodic assessments, automatically flagging when components are due for re-evaluation and maintaining audit-ready evidence trails.

See how GRCWatch handles this control automatically

Related controls