Remote Access is defined as?

• A. Access to computer networks from a location outside of that network
• B. Internal file sharing within LAN
• C. Access via VPN solely inside the same network
• D. Access to external websites only

Answer: (A)

Remote access means connecting to a computer network from a location outside that network boundary. In PCI DSS terms, it describes when someone outside the organization’s network—such as a telecommuter, a contractor, or a vendor—tries to reach systems inside the cardholder data environment, typically using methods like VPN, SSH, or other remote-access technologies. The key point is the origin of the connection being outside the network, not the specific tool used.

Internal file sharing within the LAN happens entirely inside the local network, so it isn’t remote access. A VPN used only inside the same network isn’t remote access from outside. Access to external websites is outbound Internet use, not access to internal resources, so it also isn’t remote access to the cardholder data environment.