easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: A developer is writing a mobile app that stores…
A developer is writing a mobile app that stores sensitive user data locally on the device. Which is the best practice for protecting the data at rest?
⚠ Common exam trap
The CAS-004 exam often tests the misconception that simply storing data remotely (Option C) solves local data-at-rest security, but the question explicitly requires protecting data stored locally on the device, making local encryption via keychain/keystore the correct approach.
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 the device's keychain/keystore with encryption
The best practice for protecting sensitive user data at rest on a mobile device is to use the device's keychain/keystore with encryption. The keychain (iOS) or keystore (Android) provides hardware-backed secure storage that encrypts data using platform-specific cryptographic APIs, ensuring that even if the device is compromised, the data remains confidential. This aligns with the principle of defense-in-depth for mobile application security.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use SQLite without encryption
Why it's wrong here
Unencrypted SQLite databases are accessible via file system.
- ✓
Use the device's keychain/keystore with encryption
Why this is correct
Keychain/keystore uses hardware-backed encryption for secure local storage.
- ✗
Store data in a remote database only
Why it's wrong here
Not always feasible; app may need offline access.
- ✗
Store data in plain XML files
Why it's wrong here
Plain XML is unencrypted and easily readable.
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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.