Swift CSP-Assessor - Customer Security Programme Assessor Certification(CSPAC)

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.

The CSCF and "Outsourcing Agents - Security Requirements Baseline v2025" define responsibilities for securing virtualization or cloud platforms hosting SWIFT-related components. Let’s evaluate each combination:

•Option A: For on-premises virtualization platform: by the platform provider

This is not correct. An on-premises virtualization platform (e.g., VMware or Hyper-V hosting Alliance Gateway) is managed by the SWIFT user, not the platform provider (e.g., VMware). The "platform provider" supplies the software, but the user is responsible for securing the on-premises environment, including hardening, patching, and compliance with CSCF Control "2.3 System Hardening."

•Option B: For virtualization platform deployed at a third party on which user’s SWIFT-related components are virtually hosted: by the third party

This is correct. If the virtualization platform is hosted by a third party (e.g., a service provider hosting SWIFT components), the third party is responsible for securing the platform, as per the "Outsourcing Agents - Security Requirements Baseline v2025" and CSCF Control "1.1."

•Option C: For on-premises container platform: by the SWIFT user

This is correct. An on-premises container platform (e.g., Docker or Kubernetes hosting SWIFT applications) is the user’s responsibility to secure, aligning with CSCF Control "1.1" and the user’s ownership of on-premises infrastructure.

•Option D: For Cloud Provider: the cloud provider

This is correct. In a cloud model (e.g., IaaS like Alliance Cloud on AWS), the cloud provider (e.g., AWS) is responsible for securing the underlying platform, as outlined in the "Outsourcing Agents - Security Requirements Baseline v2025."

Summary of Correct Answer:

The combination that is not correct is A, as the SWIFT user, not the platform provider, is responsible for securing an on-premises virtualization platform.

References to SWIFT Customer Security Programme Documents:

•Swift Customer Security Controls Framework v2025: Control 1.1 defines responsibilities for on-premises platforms.

•Outsourcing Agents - Security Requirements Baseline v2025: Specifies third-party and cloud provider responsibilities.

•Independent Assessment Framework: Confirms user responsibility for on-premises setups.

This question identifies the key components of Alliance Lite2 under theSwift Customer Security Programme (CSP).

Step 1: Understand Alliance Lite2 Components

Alliance Lite2 is a browser-based Swift solution for smaller institutions, with a simplified architecture. Its components are detailed in theSwift Alliance Lite2 User Guideand referenced in theCSCF v2024context.

Step 2: Evaluate Each Option

A. A web interfaceThe web interface is the primary user access point for Alliance Lite2, enabling message sending and receiving via a browser. This is a core component, as confirmed in theSwift Alliance Lite2 User Guide.Conclusion: Correct.

B. An AutoClientThe AutoClient is an optional automated client for batch processing and integration with back-office systems, considered a key component for enhanced functionality, per theSwift Alliance Lite2 Technical Documentation.Conclusion: Correct.

C. A HSM boxWhile HSMs are used for cryptographic security in Swift environments, Alliance Lite2 relies on Swift-managed HSM infrastructure, not user-managed HSM boxes. It is not a key user-side component, per theSwift Security Best Practices.Conclusion: Incorrect.

D. A WebSphere MQ ServerWebSphere MQ is a middleware solution not integral to Alliance Lite2, which uses a lightweight architecture without requiring such servers. TheSwift Alliance Lite2 User Guidedoes not list it as a component.Conclusion: Incorrect.

Step 3: Conclusion and Verification

The correct answers areAandB, as the web interface and AutoClient are the key user-side components of Alliance Lite2, consistent with theSwift Alliance Lite2 User GuideandCSCF v2024.

References

Swift Alliance Lite2 User Guide, Section: System Components.

Swift Customer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) v2024, Control 1.1: Swift Environment Protection.

Swift Alliance Lite2 Technical Documentation, Section: Architecture.

The SWIFT CSP Assessor certification program, governed by the "Independent Assessment Process for Assessors Guidelines" and related documents, requires assessors to maintain relevant professional qualifications. Let’s evaluate:

•Option A: No, a valid external cybersecurity certification is mandatory to keep the CSP Certified Assessor certification

This is correct. The SWIFT CSP Assessor certification requires assessors to hold a valid external cybersecurity certification (e.g., CISA, CISSP) as a prerequisite for initial certification and ongoing eligibility. The "Independent Assessment Process for Assessors Guidelines" specifies that expiration of this certification invalidates the CSP Assessor status until renewed, ensuring assessors maintain current expertise.

•Option B: Yes, if the SWIFT CSP Assessor certification is still valid

This is incorrect. The validity of the CSP Assessor certification is contingent on maintaining an active external cybersecurity certification. The "Independent Assessment Framework" and "Assessment template for Mandatory controls" emphasize this dual requirement to uphold assessment quality.

Summary of Correct Answer:

A valid external cybersecurity certification is mandatory; an expired certification disqualifies the assessor (A).

References to SWIFT Customer Security Programme Documents:

•Independent Assessment Process for Assessors Guidelines: Requires active external certification.

•Independent Assessment Framework: Links assessor eligibility to professional credentials.

•CSP_controls_matrix_and_high_test_plan_2025: Validates assessor qualifications.

========