- A
Ensuring the PaaS provider has physical security at their data center
Why wrong: Physical security is the provider's responsibility; while important, it is not the most critical consideration for data protection during migration.
- B
Configuring encryption for data at rest and in transit
Encryption protects data from being read if intercepted during transfer or if storage is compromised, which is essential for sensitive data.
- C
Setting up a VPN between the on-premises network and the cloud
Why wrong: A VPN secures the connection but does not encrypt the data stored in the database; encryption is needed for both.
- D
Verifying that the provider uses a specific hypervisor
Why wrong: The hypervisor type is irrelevant to data security; it is a virtualization technology managed by the provider.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is configuring encryption for data at rest and in transit because when migrating sensitive customer information to a cloud PaaS solution, the shared responsibility model places data security squarely on the customer, not the provider. Encryption at rest protects stored database files from breaches or physical theft of cloud disks, while encryption in transit safeguards data moving between your on-premises environment and the cloud service, preventing interception during migration. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding that encryption is the foundational security control for any cloud migration involving sensitive data—more fundamental than access controls or compliance checklists alone. A common trap is assuming the cloud provider automatically encrypts everything; remember, the provider secures the infrastructure, but you must configure encryption for your data. Memory tip: think “two tunnels”—one for the data while it’s parked (at rest) and one while it’s moving (in transit)—both must be locked.
220-1201 Cloud Computing Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cloud computing concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 migrating its on-premises database to a cloud PaaS solution. The database currently contains sensitive customer information. Which of the following is the most important security consideration for the migration?
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
Configuring encryption for data at rest and in transit
When moving sensitive data to the cloud, encryption at rest and in transit is critical to protect against unauthorized access. While access controls and compliance are important, encryption is a fundamental requirement. The shared responsibility model means the provider secures the infrastructure, but the customer must secure the data.
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.
- ✗
Ensuring the PaaS provider has physical security at their data center
Why it's wrong here
Physical security is the provider's responsibility; while important, it is not the most critical consideration for data protection during migration.
- ✓
Configuring encryption for data at rest and in transit
Why this is correct
Encryption protects data from being read if intercepted during transfer or if storage is compromised, which is essential for sensitive data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Setting up a VPN between the on-premises network and the cloud
Why it's wrong here
A VPN secures the connection but does not encrypt the data stored in the database; encryption is needed for both.
- ✗
Verifying that the provider uses a specific hypervisor
Why it's wrong here
The hypervisor type is irrelevant to data security; it is a virtualization technology managed by the provider.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1201 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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Cloud Computing Concepts — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Cloud Computing Concepts — This question tests Cloud Computing Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configuring encryption for data at rest and in transit — When moving sensitive data to the cloud, encryption at rest and in transit is critical to protect against unauthorized access. While access controls and compliance are important, encryption is a fundamental requirement. The shared responsibility model means the provider secures the infrastructure, but the customer must secure the data.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 220-1201 exam.
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