The answer is to create the KMS key in a custom key store and set the key usage to ENCRYPT_DECRYPT. This configuration is correct because a KMS custom key store backed by CloudHSM ensures that the key material is generated and stored exclusively within the HSM, making it non-exportable by design. All cryptographic operations are forced to occur inside the HSM appliance, so the key never leaves the hardware boundary. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding that a custom key store inherently prevents key export, while asymmetric keys can be exported if the HSM allows it—a common trap. Remember that disabling key export is not a separate KMS setting; it is an intrinsic property of the custom key store. Memory tip: think “custom store = key stays in the hardware vault.”
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 uses AWS KMS with a custom key store backed by AWS CloudHSM. The security team wants to ensure that the key material never leaves the HSM and that all cryptographic operations are performed within the HSM. Which of the following actions should the team take?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "never"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create the KMS key in a custom key store and set the key usage to 'ENCRYPT_DECRYPT'.
Option A is correct because using a custom key store with CloudHSM ensures that KMS operations are performed in the HSM and key material is not exportable. Option B is wrong because symmetric keys do not leave the HSM, but the question asks to ensure it never leaves; custom key store already ensures that. Option C is wrong because asymmetric keys can be exported if the HSM allows. Option D is wrong because disabling key export in KMS is not a direct setting; it's inherent in custom key stores.
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.
✗
Create the KMS key as an asymmetric key in a custom key store and set the key usage to 'SIGN_VERIFY'.
Why it's wrong here
Asymmetric keys can have private key exportable depending on HSM configuration.
✗
Enable the 'Prevent key material export' option in the KMS key policy.
Why it's wrong here
KMS does not have such an option; custom key store inherently prevents export.
✗
Create the KMS key as a symmetric key in the default key store.
Why it's wrong here
Default key store does not guarantee key material stays in HSM; it may be cached.
✓
Create the KMS key in a custom key store and set the key usage to 'ENCRYPT_DECRYPT'.
Why this is correct
Custom key store with symmetric keys ensures key material stays in the HSM.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "never" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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.
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 the KMS key in a custom key store and set the key usage to 'ENCRYPT_DECRYPT'. — Option A is correct because using a custom key store with CloudHSM ensures that KMS operations are performed in the HSM and key material is not exportable. Option B is wrong because symmetric keys do not leave the HSM, but the question asks to ensure it never leaves; custom key store already ensures that. Option C is wrong because asymmetric keys can be exported if the HSM allows. Option D is wrong because disabling key export in KMS is not a direct setting; it's inherent in custom key stores.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "never". Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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