Creating a template for Network Security Control (NSC) configuration standards as evidence for PCI DSS v4.0 Requirement 1.2.1 involves documenting the standards used to secure network devices according to industry best practices. The document should be structured to clearly outline the configurations that ensure secure network environments, suitable for demonstrating compliance with PCI DSS v4.0. Here's a template outline for an NSC Configuration Standards Document: --- **[Company Name]** **Network Security Control Configuration Standards** **Document Version:** [Version Number] **Date:** [Date] **1. Introduction** 1.1. Purpose 1.2. Scope 1.3. Document Maintenance **2. Network Security Control Configuration Standards** 2.1. Overview of Network Security Controls 2.2. Configuration Management Process 2.2.1. Configuration Baseline 2.2.2. Change Management Process 2.2.3. Role and Responsibility 2.3. Secure Configuration Standards 2.3.1. Device Hardening - Default Passwords - Unnecessary Services and Protocols - Secure Protocols 2.3.2. Firewall and Router Configurations - Ingress and Egress Filtering - Rule Set Review and Optimization 2.3.3. Wireless Network Configurations - Encryption and Authentication - SSID Management 2.3.4. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems - Signature Updates - Anomaly Detection Configurations 2.3.5. Network Segmentation - Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) Isolation - Access Control Lists 2.4. Compliance with PCI DSS v4.0 2.4.1. Requirement Mapping **3. Network Security Audits and Compliance Monitoring** 3.1. Regular Review and Audits 3.2. Compliance Monitoring 3.3. Non-Compliance and Remediation Process **4. Documentation and Record Keeping** 4.1. Configuration Change Documentation 4.2. Audit Trail and History **5. Training and Awareness** 5.1. Training Programs 5.2. Awareness Initiatives **6. Incident Response and Management** 6.1. Incident Response Plan 6.2. Network Security Incident Handling **7. Review and Approval** 7.1. Document Review 7.2. Approval Authority **Appendix A: Reference Materials** - PCI DSS v4.0 Standards - Network Device Manufacturer Best Practices **Appendix B: Change Log** - History of Changes to the Document --- This document serves as a guideline and starting point. Depending on the specific network infrastructure and business needs of your organization, further customization and detail may be required. Ensure that all configurations and practices align with the latest PCI DSS standards and industry best practices.