easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: A cloud security architect is designing a key…
A cloud security architect is designing a key management system for a multi-tenant SaaS application. Which TWO practices are essential for ensuring cryptographic key security? (Select TWO).
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
✓
Separate key management from data storage
Key rotation limits exposure if a key is compromised, and separating key management from data storage reduces attack surface. Storing keys in plaintext is insecure, using a single master key increases risk, and auditing is a detective control but not as fundamental as the other two.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Separate key management from data storage
Why this is correct
Logical separation ensures a breach of data storage does not reveal keys.
- ✗
Store keys in plaintext configuration files for easy retrieval
Why it's wrong here
Plaintext storage of keys violates security best practices and exposes keys to theft.
- ✓
Implement key rotation policies
Why this is correct
Regular key rotation limits the window of vulnerability if a key is compromised.
- ✗
Use a single master key for all customers
Why it's wrong here
A single master key increases blast radius; each tenant should have unique keys.
- ✗
Audit all key access events
Why it's wrong here
Auditing is important but is a detective control; rotation and separation are more fundamental preventive controls.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CAS-005
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a security review, it is discovered that a critical application uses hardcoded cryptographic keys. The development team refactors the code to retrieve keys from a centralized key management system (KMS) using role-based access control. Which additional practice should be implemented to minimize the risk of key compromise?
hard- A.Log every key access without rotation
- B.Use a single, long key to reduce management overhead
- ✓ C.Implement key expiration and automated rotation
- D.Store keys in a hardware security module only
Why C: Rotation reduces the window of exposure if a key is compromised, and automating it ensures consistency.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 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 CAS-005 exam.