What is Goal 1 of secure network and system management?

Building and maintaining a secure network and system is foundational to ensuring the overall security of any organization that handles sensitive data, particularly in contexts such as payment card industry (PCI) standards. This goal encompasses a wide array of practices, technologies, and protocols designed to establish a robust security posture. It emphasizes the importance of designing network architectures that are resilient to various threats and vulnerabilities, as well as implementing controls that protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.

A secure network helps to ensure that all data transmitted over it is protected from eavesdropping and tampering, which is critical when dealing with cardholder data. Among the practices involved in achieving this goal are the use of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, secure configurations, and regular updates to both hardware and software to mitigate emerging risks.

The other options, while important aspects of information security, are part of the broader strategy of secure network and system management. Maintaining a vulnerability management program, protecting cardholder data, and implementing staff training all serve to enhance the security framework established by a secure network. However, they do not serve as the primary goal in the same way as building and maintaining that secure infrastructure does. Establishing this secure foundation is essential for the effective implementation of the other security measures.