PCI DSS 8.3.11: Assign Physical and Logical Tokens Per Individual
PCI DSS 8.3.11 requires that authentication tokens—physical cards, smart cards, and digital certificates—be assigned exclusively to individual users and never shared across accounts. This control prevents unauthorized access and eliminates accountability gaps when credentials are reused. Proper token management is foundational to PCI compliance and protecting cardholder data.
What this means
This control mandates that each user receives their own unique physical or logical authentication token. Tokens include smart cards, hardware security keys, digital certificates, and similar authentication devices. Sharing tokens between users creates audit trail gaps, prevents identification of who performed specific actions, and increases the risk of unauthorized cardholder data access. Individual assignment ensures accountability and traceability of all privileged activities.
How to comply
- 1.Implement a token lifecycle management process that issues unique tokens to individual users only
- 2.Configure authentication systems to reject shared credentials and enforce one-to-one token-to-user mapping
- 3.Maintain an inventory of all issued tokens linked to specific employees with assignment dates
- 4.Establish a token return and revocation procedure when employees change roles or leave the organization
- 5.Audit token usage logs quarterly to verify no tokens are being used by multiple users
- 6.Prohibit token sharing through written security policies and enforce via technical controls
- 7.Document token assignment in identity access management (IAM) systems with approval trails
Evidence auditors look for
- Token inventory spreadsheet or IAM system report showing unique token-to-user assignments
- Authentication logs demonstrating individual token usage without shared access patterns
- Smart card or hardware token enrollment records with assignment dates and responsible parties
- Certificate management system reports showing individual certificate ownership and issuance
- Access revocation documentation when users separate or change roles
- Quarterly audit reports comparing token inventory against active user roster
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
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