Free Swift CSP-Assessor Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 3

The "Independent Assessment Framework" and "Independent Assessment Process for Assessors Guidelines" mandate that CSP assessments and attestations be conducted by an independent, certified assessor, not the user’s internal audit department. Let’s evaluate each option:

•Option A: Yes, providing this is agreed by the head of IT operations and the CISO

This is incorrect. Internal agreement does not override the CSP’s requirement for independence.

•Option B: No, this is never an option

This is correct. The CSP prohibits internal audit departments from submitting or approving attestations on the KYC-SA portal, as they lack the independence required by the "Independent Assessment Framework." Only an external, certified assessor can perform and approve the assessment, with the CISO or designated user submitting the attestation based on the assessor’s report.

•Option C: Yes, an internal auditor can submit the attestation for approval provided they have the appropriate credentials for swift.com. The CISO remains in charge of the approval of the attestation

This is incorrect. Internal auditors cannot submit or approve attestations, even with credentials, due to the independence requirement.

•Option D: Yes, with approval from the Chief Auditor

This is incorrect. Chief Auditor approval does not satisfy the CSP’s independence mandate.

Summary of Correct Answer:

An internal audit department cannot submit or approve the attestation (B).

References to SWIFT Customer Security Programme Documents:

•Independent Assessment Framework: Requires independent assessors.

•Independent Assessment Process for Assessors Guidelines: Prohibits internal assessments for attestation.

•Swift_CSP_Assessment_Report_Template: Specifies external assessor input.

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This question relates to the objective of Control 1.1 – SWIFT Environment Protection in the CSCF:

Step 1: Control 1.1 Overview

Control 1.1 aims to “restrict access to the SWIFT infrastructure by segregating it from the general IT environment and external threats,” protecting against unauthorized access and malware.

SWIFT PKI certificates are critical for securing communications and require a formal request process to SWIFT for issuance or renewal. Let’s evaluate each option:

•Option A: Using both online and offline methods

This is correct. SWIFT provides multiple channels for submitting PKI certificate requests to accommodate different customer needs and security requirements. The online method involves submitting requests through the SWIFT Alliance Web Platform or SWIFT’s customer portal, where users can generate and upload certificate signing requests (CSRs). The offline method involves physical submission, such as sending a signed request via secure mail or courier, often used for initial setups or high-security environments. SWIFT documentation confirms both methods are supported, aligning with CSCF Control "1.3 Cryptographic Failover" for secure certificate management.

•Option B: Using an online method

This is incorrect as a standalone answer. While the online method is available and widely used, it is not the only method. Excluding the offline option does not reflect SWIFT’s flexible process.

•Option C: Using an offline method

This is incorrect as a standalone answer. The offline method is an option, but it is not the only method. SWIFT supports both approaches depending on the customer’s infrastructure and security policies.

•Option D: None of the above

This is incorrect. Both online and offline methods are valid, making this option invalid.

Summary of Correct Answer:

PKI certificate requests can be submitted to SWIFT using both online and offline methods (A), providing flexibility and security.

References to SWIFT Customer Security Programme Documents:

•SWIFT Customer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) v2024: Control 1.3 supports secure certificate request processes.

•SWIFT PKI Management Guide: Details online and offline submission methods for certificate requests.

•SWIFT Alliance Documentation: Confirms dual submission channels for PKI certificates.

The "SWIFT footprint" refers to the extent of SWIFT-related infrastructure (hardware, software, and connectivity components) that a user must manage within their environment. A smaller footprint means less local infrastructure to maintain, typically achieved through cloud-based or managed services. Let’s evaluate each option:

•Option A: Full stack of products up to the Messaging Interface

This refers to an on-premises deployment where the user manages a complete set of SWIFT components, including the messaging interface (e.g., Alliance Access), communication interface (e.g., Alliance Gateway), SwiftNet Link (SNL), HSM, and VPN boxes for connectivity to the SWIFT network. This setup requires significant local infrastructure, including servers, security devices, and network components, resulting in a large SWIFT footprint.

•Option B: Alliance Remote Gateway

Alliance Remote Gateway (ARG) is a service where the Alliance Gateway is hosted remotely by SWIFT or a third party, but the user still maintains a messaging interface (e.g., Alliance Access) locally. While this reduces the footprint slightly by outsourcing the communication interface, the user still manages the messaging interface, HSM, and local connectivity components, resulting in a moderate footprint.

•Option C: Lite 2 or Alliance Cloud

This is the correct answer. Alliance Lite2 and Alliance Cloud are cloud-based solutions designed for smaller institutions or those seeking a minimal local footprint. In Alliance Lite2, the user connects to SWIFT via a lightweight client (Alliance Lite2 AutoClient) or a browser-based interface, with most infrastructure (e.g., messaging interface, communication interface, HSM) hosted by SWIFT in the cloud. Alliance Cloud similarly hosts the full SWIFT stack (including Alliance Access and Alliance Gateway) in a SWIFT-managed cloud environment, requiring only minimal local infrastructure (e.g., a secure connection to the cloud). This results in the smallest SWIFT footprint, as the user manages very little on-premises infrastructure. The CSCF still applies, but many controls are managed by SWIFT (e.g., "1.1 SWIFT Environment Protection").

•Option D: A user with a Messaging Interface behind a Service Bureau

A Service Bureau is a third-party provider that hosts SWIFT infrastructure (e.g., Alliance Gateway, SNL) for multiple users, but the user still maintains a local messaging interface (e.g., Alliance Access) to connect to the Service Bureau. This setup reduces the footprint compared to a full on-premises deployment, as the user does not manage the communication interface or network connectivity components. However, the local messaging interface and associated security components (e.g., HSM) still constitute a larger footprint than a fully cloud-based solution like Alliance Lite2 or Alliance Cloud.

Summary of Correct Answer:

Alliance Lite2 or Alliance Cloud (C) has the smallest SWIFT footprint, as most infrastructure is hosted in the cloud by SWIFT, minimizing the user’s local management responsibilities.

References to SWIFT Customer Security Programme Documents:

•SWIFT Customer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) v2024: Control 1.1 applies to cloud deployments like Alliance Cloud, reducing the user’s local footprint.

•SWIFT Alliance Lite2 Documentation: Describes the minimal infrastructure required for Lite2 users.

•SWIFT Alliance Cloud Documentation: Highlights the fully hosted nature of the solution, minimizing the SWIFT footprint.

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This question examines the scope ofControl 2.11: RMA Business Controlswithin theCustomer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) v2024, specifically whether it is limited to validating defined counterparty relationships.

Step 1: Understand Control 2.11 RMA Business Controls

Control 2.11 focuses on securing the Relationship Management Application (RMA) process, which manages counterparty relationships for Swift messaging. TheCSCF v2024defines this control underControl Objective 2: Protect Critical Systems, aiming to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent message exchanges.

Step 2: Analyze the Scope of Control 2.11

The statement suggests that Control 2.11 is “only about the process of validating the defined counterparty relationships.” While validating counterparty relationships (e.g., ensuring only authorized parties are in the RMA list) is a key component, the control’s scope is broader.

According to theCSCF v2024,Control 2.11requires:

Validation of counterparty relationships to ensure they are legitimate and authorized.

Monitoring and detection of anomalies in RMA-related activities (e.g., unexpected changes to relationships).

Implementation of segregation of duties and access controls to prevent misuse of RMA privileges.

Regular review and approval processes for RMA updates.

TheSwift Security Best PracticesandCSCF v2024guidance emphasize that RMA Business Controls extend beyond mere validation to include ongoing management, security, and oversight of the RMA process to mitigate risks like unauthorized access or fraud.

Step 3: Conclusion and Verification

The answer isB, as Control 2.11 is not limited to validating counterparty relationships; it encompasses a comprehensive set of measures to secure and manage the RMA process, as specified in theCSCF v2024.

References

Swift Customer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) v2024, Control 2.11: RMA Business Controls.

Swift Security Best Practices, Section: RMA Management.

Swift User Handbook, Section: RMA Security Requirements.

This question pertains to Local Security Officer (LSO) and Remote Security Officer (RSO) accounts on SWIFT Alliance Access, a key component of the SWIFT infrastructure. Let’s evaluate each statement:

A. They are local Security Officers

LSOs and RSOs are indeed Security Officers responsible for managing security functions on Alliance Access. LSOs operate locally, while RSOs can perform tasks remotely, but both are classified as Security Officers under SWIFT’s terminology.

This question involves the role of the Hardware Security Module (HSM) and cryptographic operations in the Swift environment. Let’s evaluate each option.

Step 1: Understand HSM and Cryptographic Operations in Swift

The HSM is a secure device used to manage cryptographic keys and perform encryption/decryption operations, as detailed inControl 2.5B: Cryptographic Key Managementof theCSCF v2024. Swift uses public key infrastructure (PKI) for secure messaging, with HSMs storing keys and certificates.

Step 2: Evaluate Each Option

A. The public and private keys of a Swift certificate are stored on the Hardware Security ModuleIn the Swift environment, the HSM stores both the private key (for signing/decryption) and the public key (for verification/encryption) as part of the certificate pair. This is a standard practice for secure key management, as confirmed in theSwift Security Best PracticesandControl 2.5B, which mandates secure storage of cryptographic keys in HSMs.Conclusion: This statement is correct.

B. The certificate stored on the Swift Hardware Security Module is used during the decryption operation of a messageThe HSM uses the private key stored in the certificate to perform decryption of incoming Swift messages. This is part of the secure message handling process, as outlined inControl 2.5Band theSwift Alliance Gateway Technical Documentation.Conclusion: This statement is correct.

C. The decryption operation uses the encryption private key of the receiverDecryption uses theprivate keyof the receiver, not the “encryption private key” (a misnomer). The correct term is the receiver’s private key, which corresponds to the public key used for encryption. This error makes the statement technically incorrect, despite the intended meaning.Conclusion: This statement is incorrect.

D. To verify the signature the SwiftNetLink uses the signing private key of the receiverSignature verification requires the sender’s public key, not the receiver’s private key. The SwiftNetLink (SNL) uses the public key to verify the signature, as perControl 2.5BandSwift Security Best Practices. The private key is used for signing, not verification.Conclusion: This statement is incorrect.

Step 3: Conclusion and Verification

The verified statements areAandB, as they accurately describe the HSM’s role in key storage and decryption, consistent with Swift CSP documentation.

References

Swift Customer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) v2024, Control 2.5B: Cryptographic Key Management.

Swift Security Best Practices, Section: HSM Usage.

Swift Alliance Gateway Technical Documentation, Section: Cryptographic Operations.

This question concerns the assessor’s obligations during the CSP assessment kick-off:

Step 1: CSP Assessment Process

The IAF recommends a kick-off meeting to align expectations between the assessor and SWIFT user, including explaining the testing methodology (e.g., HLTP, sampling, evidence collection).

The Local Security Officer (LSO) and Remote Security Officer (RSO) are roles defined within the SWIFT Alliance suite, particularly for managing security in messaging interfaces like Alliance Access. Let’s evaluate each option:

•Option A: They are Alliance Security Officers

This is correct. The LSO and RSO are collectively referred to as Alliance Security Officers within the SWIFT ecosystem. The LSO is typically an on-site officer responsible for local security management, while the RSO can perform similar functions remotely, often for distributed environments. These roles are critical for configuring and maintaining security settings in Alliance Access, as outlined in SWIFT’s operational documentation. The CSCF Control "6.1 Security Awareness" emphasizes the importance of trained security officers, which aligns with the LSO/RSO roles.

•Option B: Their PKI certificates are stored either on an HSM Token or on an HSM-box

This is incorrect. While PKI certificates are used for authentication and are managed within the SWIFT environment, they are not specifically tied to the LSO or RSO roles in terms of storage. PKI certificates for SWIFTNet are stored and managed by the Hardware Security Module (HSM), either as an HSM token (e.g., a smart card) or an HSM-box (e.g., a physical or virtual HSM device). However, these certificates are associated with the SWIFT application or user roles (e.g., for message signing), not the LSO/RSO profiles themselves. The LSO/RSO uses these certificates as part of their duties, but the statement implies ownership or storage, which is inaccurate. CSCF Control "1.3 Cryptographic Failover" specifies HSM management, not LSO/RSO certificate storage.

•Option C: They are the business profiles that can sign the SWIFT financial transactions

This is incorrect. The LSO and RSO are security management roles, not business profiles authorized to sign financial transactions. Signing SWIFT financial transactions (e.g., MT103 messages) is the responsibility of authorized business users or automated processes within Alliance Access, who use PKI certificates managed by the HSM. The LSO/RSO’s role is to configure and oversee security, not to perform transactional activities. This distinction is clear in SWIFT’s role-based access control documentation.

•Option D: They are responsible for the configuration and management of the security functions in the messaging interface

This is correct. The LSO and RSO are tasked with configuring and managing security functions within Alliance Access, such as user access control, authentication settings, and compliance with CSCF requirements. This includes managing PKI certificate usage, setting up secure communication channels, and ensuring the messaging interface adheres to security policies. For example, the LSO can define security profiles and monitor access, as detailed in the Alliance Access Administration Guide, aligning with CSCF Control "2.1 Internal Data Transmission Security."

Summary of Correct Answers:

The LSO and RSO are Alliance Security Officers (A) and are responsible for the configuration and management of security functions in the messaging interface (D). Their PKI certificates are not stored by them, and they do not sign transactions.

References to SWIFT Customer Security Programme Documents:

•SWIFT Customer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) v2024: Control 6.1 highlights the role of security officers like LSO/RSO.

•SWIFT Alliance Access Documentation: Describes LSO/RSO responsibilities for security configuration.

•SWIFT Security Guidelines: Details PKI certificate management by HSM, not LSO/RSO.

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Bridging servers facilitate data exchange between the back-office systems (e.g., Treasury Management Systems) and the SWIFT infrastructure (e.g., Alliance Access or Gateway). The CSCF scope includes components that handle SWIFT-related data or connectivity. Let’s evaluate:

•The "Swift Customer Security Controls Framework v2025" defines the secure zone and includes internal data transmission components. Bridging servers, as part of the data flow between back-office and SWIFT infrastructure, are considered in scope, particularly under Control "2.1 Internal Data Transmission Security" (mandatory) and related advisory controls (e.g., 2.3 System Hardening).

•The "CSP Architecture Type - Decision tree" includes such servers when they are part of the SWIFT environment, even if some controls are advisory depending on the architecture (e.g., A1 or A2).

•The "Assessment template for Advisory controls" applies to bridging servers for non-mandatory measures, while mandatory controls ensure secure data exchange.

Summary of Correct Answer:

Bridging servers are in scope of CSCF security controls, with some being advisory (TRUE).

References to SWIFT Customer Security Programme Documents:

•Swift Customer Security Controls Framework v2025: Control 2.1 includes bridging servers.

•CSP_controls_matrix_and_high_test_plan_2025: Lists applicable controls.

•Assessment template for Advisory controls: Applies to bridging servers.

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