CAS-004 Security Architecture Practice Question
A security architect is designing a PKI for a large enterprise. Which component is used to protect private keys and perform cryptographic operations in a tamper-resistant environment?
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
✓
Hardware Security Module (HSM)
A hardware security module (HSM) provides secure generation, storage, and management of cryptographic keys in a tamper-resistant device.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Hardware Security Module (HSM)
Why this is correct
HSM is designed for tamper-resistant key protection and cryptographic operations.
- ✗
Certificate Revocation List (CRL)
Why it's wrong here
CRL lists revoked certificates, not key protection.
- ✗
Key Management Service (KMS)
Why it's wrong here
KMS manages keys but may be software-based; HSM offers stronger physical protection.
- ✗
Certificate Authority (CA)
Why it's wrong here
CA issues certificates but does not inherently provide tamper-resistant key protection.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 968 original CAS-005 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.