What is NOT true regarding the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)?

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a crucial framework established to enhance the security of credit and debit card transactions and protect cardholders against data theft. The correct assertion that option B presents is that PCI DSS is optional and therefore, rarely followed, which is misleading. In reality, compliance with PCI DSS is not merely optional for businesses that handle cardholder data; it's a requirement for all entities that store, process, or transmit card information.

Businesses are mandated to comply with PCI DSS based on the level of transactions they process. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, increased transaction fees, or even the loss of the ability to process card payments. Thus, adherence to these standards is not only critical for maintaining the integrity and security of transaction processes but is also essential for consumer protection and trust.

In summary, the assertion that PCI DSS is optional fails to capture the obligatory nature of the standards for businesses that engage in any dealings with cardholder data, highlighting why it is an inaccurate statement.