- A
Change the encryption method to AWS S3 SSE-C and Azure client-side encryption to maintain separate keys.
Why wrong: SSE-C requires managing keys yourself but does not guarantee separation; client-side encryption is complex and still requires key separation.
- B
Implement a cloud DLP solution to monitor access to encrypted data and alert on unauthorized use.
Why wrong: DLP does not address key separation or log access controls required by PCI DSS.
- C
Use a third-party VPN appliance to ensure encryption in transit between all cloud environments.
Why wrong: Encryption in transit is already in place; the gaps are in key management and log access.
- D
Create separate KMS keys for production and development in AWS, and restrict Azure Blob Storage log access to only authorized security auditors.
Separate keys satisfy PCI DSS requirement for key separation; restricting log access meets access control requirements.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to create separate KMS keys for production and development in AWS, and restrict Azure Blob Storage log access to only authorized security auditors. This addresses two critical PCI DSS requirements: cryptographic key isolation between environments and strict access control over audit logs. Using the same AWS KMS key for production S3 data and a development environment violates PCI DSS Requirement 3.5, which mandates that keys used for production cardholder data must never be shared with non-production systems. Similarly, granting developers read-only access to Azure Blob Storage logs exposes sensitive audit trails, violating the principle of least privilege required by PCI DSS Requirement 10.7. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of multi-cloud encryption key management and how PCI DSS maps to cloud-native services like AWS KMS and Azure Key Vault. A common trap is assuming that read-only permissions are safe for logs, but auditors must be the only role with access. Memory tip: “Prod keys stay in prod, logs stay with auditors.”
350-701 Cloud Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of cloud security. 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 financial services company uses a multi-cloud strategy with workloads in AWS and Azure. They must comply with PCI DSS, which requires encryption of cardholder data at rest and in transit. The security team has implemented the following: 1) AWS S3 buckets use server-side encryption with AWS KMS (SSE-KMS). 2) Azure Blob Storage uses Azure Storage Service Encryption (SSE) with Azure Key Vault. 3) All traffic between VPCs and VNets uses IPsec VPN tunnels. During an audit, the assessor notes that data stored in AWS S3 is encrypted with a key that is also used for a development environment. Additionally, logs from Azure Blob Storage are accessible to a group of developers with read-only permissions. Which action should the security team take to address the compliance gaps?
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 separate KMS keys for production and development in AWS, and restrict Azure Blob Storage log access to only authorized security auditors.
Option D is correct because PCI DSS requires strict separation of cryptographic keys between production and non-production environments, and logging access must be restricted to authorized personnel. Using the same KMS key for production S3 data and a development environment violates this requirement, and granting developers read-only access to Azure Blob Storage logs exposes sensitive audit data. Creating separate KMS keys for production and development in AWS ensures key isolation, while restricting Azure Blob Storage log access to only authorized security auditors enforces the principle of least privilege required by PCI DSS.
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.
- ✗
Change the encryption method to AWS S3 SSE-C and Azure client-side encryption to maintain separate keys.
Why it's wrong here
SSE-C requires managing keys yourself but does not guarantee separation; client-side encryption is complex and still requires key separation.
- ✗
Implement a cloud DLP solution to monitor access to encrypted data and alert on unauthorized use.
Why it's wrong here
DLP does not address key separation or log access controls required by PCI DSS.
- ✗
Use a third-party VPN appliance to ensure encryption in transit between all cloud environments.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption in transit is already in place; the gaps are in key management and log access.
- ✓
Create separate KMS keys for production and development in AWS, and restrict Azure Blob Storage log access to only authorized security auditors.
Why this is correct
Separate keys satisfy PCI DSS requirement for key separation; restricting log access meets access control requirements.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between encryption methods (SSE-S3, SSE-KMS, SSE-C) and key management controls, leading candidates to focus on encryption algorithms rather than the PCI DSS requirement for key separation and access control to audit logs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under PCI DSS Requirement 3.5, cryptographic keys must be stored and managed separately for different environments (e.g., production vs. development) to prevent cross-contamination of sensitive data. AWS KMS supports key policies and grants that can enforce this isolation, while Azure Blob Storage logs (e.g., Storage Analytics logs) contain read/write operations and must be protected via RBAC roles such as 'Storage Blob Data Reader' restricted to security auditors. A real-world scenario is a misconfigured KMS key policy that allows a development IAM role to decrypt production S3 objects, leading to a compliance failure during a QSA audit.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-701 question test?
Cloud Security — This question tests Cloud Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create separate KMS keys for production and development in AWS, and restrict Azure Blob Storage log access to only authorized security auditors. — Option D is correct because PCI DSS requires strict separation of cryptographic keys between production and non-production environments, and logging access must be restricted to authorized personnel. Using the same KMS key for production S3 data and a development environment violates this requirement, and granting developers read-only access to Azure Blob Storage logs exposes sensitive audit data. Creating separate KMS keys for production and development in AWS ensures key isolation, while restricting Azure Blob Storage log access to only authorized security auditors enforces the principle of least privilege required by PCI DSS.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This 350-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-701 exam.
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