What is considered the fastest method to reduce the scope of the PCI DSS assessment?

Reducing the scope of the PCI DSS assessment is crucial for organizations aiming to minimize the effort and cost associated with compliance. Not storing cardholder data is considered the fastest method to achieve this because it eliminates the need for many of the controls outlined in the PCI DSS standards that specifically pertain to protecting stored data.

When an organization does not store cardholder data, it can significantly limit the extent of its systems and processes that need to be assessed during the PCI DSS compliance process. This leads to a simpler compliance journey since the organization can focus on securing only the systems that handle payment transactions without the burden of securing and validating the storage and protection of sensitive account information.

In contrast, segmenting the network, while effective, involves configuring network infrastructure and ensuring that devices are properly isolated, which can be time-consuming. Advanced encryption methods enhance security during data transmission or storage but do not eliminate the need for compliance around data handling. Increasing personnel training is essential for a comprehensive security posture but does not directly impact the scope of PCI DSS assessments. Thus, the approach of not storing cardholder data is the most efficient method for reducing assessment scope.