Sensitive Authentication Data includes which of the following?

Sensitive Authentication Data encompasses specific information that, when compromised, can lead to fraud or unauthorized access. In the realm of payment card information, Sensitive Authentication Data comprises details essential for verifying identity or authorizing transactions.

The correct response highlights PINs and PIN Block as a component of Sensitive Authentication Data. PINs are personal identification numbers used in conjunction with payment cards to authenticate transactions. The PIN Block, which is the encrypted form of the PIN, also falls within this category. This data must be treated with the utmost care as it is directly tied to the security of a financial transaction.

On the other hand, primary account numbers, cardholder names, and expiration dates are classified differently within security standards. While they are important for transaction processing, they do not meet the criteria for Sensitive Authentication Data as they do not directly serve to authenticate the cardholder or authorize a transaction without the additional context of sensitive information such as a PIN. Thus, the focus on PINs and PIN Blocks emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding the information crucial for verification against fraudulent activity.