8.4.3 MFA for remote access that could reach CDE

MFA must be implemented for all remote access that originates outside the entity's network and could access or affect the CDE. Applicability: covers all user accounts able to access the network remotely where that access leads, or could lead, into the CDE, including staff, both users and administrators, and third parties such as vendors, suppliers, service providers and customers. Remote access to a network segment properly isolated from the CDE does not need MFA, though MFA is recommended for every remote connection into the entity's networks. It covers every kind of system component (cloud and hosted systems, on-premises applications, workstations, servers, endpoints and network security devices) and both direct and web-based access. The guidance defines MFA as presenting at least two of the three factor types from 8.3.1. Customized approach objective: a single authentication factor is never enough to gain remote access into the entity's network.

Source: PCI DSS v4.0.1, 8.4.3. The statement above is our statement of the clause, read from the published text and cited so you can check it against the official text, not the instrument verbatim. Open PCI DSS v4.0.1 in the compliance library.

Version 4.0.1 is the active version; 4.0 has been retired. Appendix A1 applies only to multi-tenant service providers, A2 only to card-present POS POI terminals that still use SSL or early TLS, and A3 only when a payment brand or acquirer requires it. Which requirements apply to you follows your validation type.