Final answer:
PCI DSS compliance external vulnerability scans must be conducted by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), which are specialized and certified organizations that meet the PCI Security Standards Council requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
For the specific context of PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance, external vulnerability scans must be conducted by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV). These vendors are organizations that have been certified by the PCI Security Standards Council to perform external vulnerability scanning services. The role cannot be performed by just any employee or any qualified individual; it requires a specialized vendor that has been approved to ensure the scan meets the compliance requirements set forth by the PCI DSS guidelines.
ASVs have the required tools and expertise to conduct thorough vulnerability scans that can identify any potential security weaknesses that might be exploited by malicious individuals. Additionally, working with an ASV helps to ensure that the scan reports are accurate, actionable, and acceptable for PCI DSS compliance verification purposes.