Which type of organization is still required to follow the PCI DSS even if they process only encrypted cardholder data?

The focus of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is to protect cardholder data, ensuring that organizations that handle this data adhere to strict security requirements. Organizations with access to cardholder data, regardless of whether that data is encrypted or not, remain under the purview of PCI DSS regulations. This is because the potential security risks surrounding the management of access to cardholder data still necessitate compliance with these standards.

Even if cardholder data is encrypted, the organization has the capability to decrypt it or may still have access to the encryption keys, which means the data's security is still tightly linked to the organization’s practices. Therefore, PCI DSS compliance is necessary to ensure that all layers of data protection and security are upheld, further minimizing vulnerabilities and risks associated with data handling.

While other options mention organizations that do not process cardholder data or only store data without access mechanisms, they do not meet the criteria of handling any form of cardholder data directly or indirectly. Thus, the appropriate choice highlights the responsibility of all entities that have access to cardholder data to comply with PCI DSS standards, emphasizing the ongoing security commitment required in protecting sensitive payment information.