PCI DSS 5.2.3.1: Defining Evaluation Frequency in Your Risk Analysis
PCI DSS 5.2.3.1 requires you to establish how often you'll conduct periodic evaluations as part of your targeted risk analysis. This control ensures your risk assessment process is systematic and repeatable. Getting this right prevents compliance gaps and keeps your security posture current.
What this means
Your organization must document and define the specific frequency at which you will conduct periodic evaluations of your risk analysis. This frequency should be justified by your targeted risk analysis—meaning you determine evaluation intervals based on your actual risk profile, business changes, and threat landscape. The frequency becomes a documented requirement that your team must follow consistently.
How to comply
- 1.Conduct a targeted risk analysis to identify your organization's specific risk factors and business context
- 2.Determine an appropriate evaluation frequency (e.g., quarterly, semi-annually, annually) based on your risk profile
- 3.Document the defined frequency in your risk analysis policy or procedure
- 4.Establish clear ownership and accountability for conducting evaluations at the defined frequency
- 5.Schedule evaluations in advance and maintain evidence of completion
- 6.Review and adjust frequency if business conditions, threats, or compliance requirements change
Evidence auditors look for
- Risk analysis document stating 'evaluations will be conducted quarterly'
- Policy or procedure defining evaluation frequency with business justification
- Evaluation schedule or calendar showing planned review dates
- Meeting minutes or sign-offs documenting the frequency decision
- Change log showing when evaluation frequency was reviewed and confirmed
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch's risk analysis workflow automatically tracks your defined evaluation frequency and triggers reminders before each assessment is due, eliminating manual scheduling gaps and keeping your PCI compliance audit-ready.
See how GRCWatch handles this control automatically
Start free trial