Episode 14 — Apply the Customized Approach correctly from start to finish
The Customized Approach exists for organizations that meet the intent of a PCI requirement using alternative controls, but the exam expects you to treat it as a rigorous method, not a shortcut. This episode explains prerequisites and structure: identifying the objective of the requirement, documenting the risk analysis that justifies the alternative, defining the control design with measurable expected outcomes, and agreeing on validation testing with the assessor. You will see how success depends on clarity of objective statements and on producing evidence that the alternative achieves equivalent or better security outcomes without creating new risks. We contrast this with compensating controls, clarifying when each is appropriate and what documentation depth is required.
We walk scenarios such as using a modern zero-trust access pattern to satisfy remote access requirements, or employing a specialized application-allowlisting model instead of traditional anti-malware in non-general-purpose systems. Best practices include measurable success criteria, continuous monitoring evidence, and change governance that protects the bespoke design from drift. Troubleshooting focuses on weak rationales that merely assert “equal protection,” insufficient outcome metrics, or testing that cannot be reproduced. You will learn to choose answers that insist on objective alignment, robust documentation (including risk analysis, design details, and validation results), and assessor agreement on test methods and evidence. The key exam signal is disciplined equivalence to requirement intent, proved by artifacts and results, not assertions or brand names. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.
