What is the SAQ-D for Merchants?

The SAQ-D for Merchants is indeed a self-assessment questionnaire specifically designed for merchants who are handling cardholder data. It is part of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance program, catering to organizations that process payment card transactions.

This questionnaire is intended for merchants who do not qualify for the simpler, shorter versions of the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and often face more complex and challenging security environments. It helps these merchants to determine their compliance status with PCI DSS and identify potential areas of risk in their handling of payment card information.

The focus of the SAQ-D is on ensuring that these merchants adequately assess their security measures in relation to the requirements set forth by the PCI DSS, thereby strengthening their overall security posture. This makes it essential for any merchant who processes cardholder data to be familiar with and complete the SAQ-D as part of their compliance obligations.

The other options offer incorrect characterizations of the SAQ-D, such as implying it is limited to high-risk merchants or excluding online retailers, neither of which accurately captures its purpose and scope. Additionally, suggesting that it is a mandatory government form misrepresents the nature of the SAQ-D as a standardized questionnaire for self-assessment rather than