Which standard is a proprietary information security framework for organizations handling cardholder information?

The answer identifies PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) as the correct choice. PCI DSS is specifically designed to enhance security for organizations that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information. This standard was established by major credit card companies to create a secure environment for cardholder data and to mitigate risks associated with data breaches related to payment information.

Organizations that handle cardholder information are required to comply with PCI DSS, which provides a comprehensive set of requirements addressing security management, policies, procedures, network architecture, and software design. Compliance with this standard helps protect sensitive data and ensures that organizations implement necessary security practices to avoid risks of fraud and data theft.

In contrast, the other options represent different standards or regulations that apply to broader contexts. ISO 27001 is a specification for an information security management system (ISMS), NIST CSF (Cybersecurity Framework) is a framework designed to assist organizations in managing cybersecurity risks, and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) focuses on the protection of health information. While these frameworks contribute to overall security practices, they do not specifically target the needs of organizations handling cardholder information like PCI DSS does.