- A
Use AWS KMS multi-Region keys with custom key store backed by CloudHSM
Why wrong: Multi-Region keys in KMS do not directly sync CloudHSM key material.
- B
Create a backup of the source HSM and restore it to the target HSM in the second region
Backup and restore is the recommended method for cross-region key synchronization.
- C
Export the key material from the source HSM using the encrypt/decrypt API and import into the target HSM
Why wrong: Exporting key material outside the HSM violates security best practices.
- D
Use the AWS CloudHSM client to replicate the key material automatically across regions
Why wrong: CloudHSM does not have automatic cross-region replication.
Question 622 of 1,748
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is using AWS CloudHSM to store encryption keys for a custom application. The application needs high availability across two AWS Regions. What is the MOST secure and cost-effective approach to synchronize key material between the HSMs in each Region?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a backup of the source HSM and restore it to the target HSM in the second region
The correct approach is to create a backup of the source HSM and restore it to the target HSM in the second region. CloudHSM does not automatically synchronize key material across clusters or regions. Backup and restore is the supported and secure method to copy key material. Option A is incorrect because AWS KMS multi-Region keys cannot be backed by CloudHSM custom key stores across regions, and KMS does not synchronize keys across regions automatically. Option C is incorrect because exporting key material via encrypt/decrypt APIs exposes the key in plaintext and is not a secure method for synchronization. Option D is incorrect because the CloudHSM client does not provide cross-region replication functionality; it only manages local HSM operations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use AWS KMS multi-Region keys with custom key store backed by CloudHSM
Why it's wrong here
Multi-Region keys in KMS do not directly sync CloudHSM key material.
- ✓
Create a backup of the source HSM and restore it to the target HSM in the second region
Why this is correct
Backup and restore is the recommended method for cross-region key synchronization.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Export the key material from the source HSM using the encrypt/decrypt API and import into the target HSM
Why it's wrong here
Exporting key material outside the HSM violates security best practices.
- ✗
Use the AWS CloudHSM client to replicate the key material automatically across regions
Why it's wrong here
CloudHSM does not have automatic cross-region replication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Data Protection — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a backup of the source HSM and restore it to the target HSM in the second region — The correct approach is to create a backup of the source HSM and restore it to the target HSM in the second region. CloudHSM does not automatically synchronize key material across clusters or regions. Backup and restore is the supported and secure method to copy key material. Option A is incorrect because AWS KMS multi-Region keys cannot be backed by CloudHSM custom key stores across regions, and KMS does not synchronize keys across regions automatically. Option C is incorrect because exporting key material via encrypt/decrypt APIs exposes the key in plaintext and is not a secure method for synchronization. Option D is incorrect because the CloudHSM client does not provide cross-region replication functionality; it only manages local HSM operations.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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