easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-901 Practice Question: A developer needs to securely store API keys for…
A developer needs to securely store API keys for use in a CI/CD pipeline. Which best practice should be followed?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that storing secrets in a separate configuration file (like a JSON or .env file) is acceptable as long as it is not committed, but the trap is that any file-based storage in the repository—even if ignored—risks accidental exposure, whereas pipeline secrets are designed specifically for secure injection without file persistence.
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
✓
Use built-in pipeline secrets or environment variables.
CI/CD platforms (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions) provide built-in mechanisms to store secrets as encrypted environment variables or pipeline secrets. These values are masked in logs and never exposed in source code, ensuring API keys remain confidential throughout the pipeline execution.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Share the keys via email to the team.
Why it's wrong here
Email is not encrypted and keys could be intercepted or exposed.
- ✗
Hardcode the keys in the source code.
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoding exposes secrets to anyone with repository access and is not secure.
- ✓
Use built-in pipeline secrets or environment variables.
Why this is correct
Pipeline secrets are encrypted and not exposed in logs, providing secure storage.
- ✗
Store the keys in a JSON file committed to the repository.
Why it's wrong here
Committing secrets to the repository makes them visible to all users with access.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.