CAS-004 Security Architecture Practice Question
A security architect is designing a PKI for a large organization. The architect wants to ensure that private keys are stored securely and that cryptographic operations are performed in a tamper-resistant environment. Which solution should be used?
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
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Hardware Security Module (HSM)
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) provide dedicated, tamper-resistant hardware for key storage and cryptographic operations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Why it's wrong here
TPM is a chip on the motherboard for platform integrity, not designed for enterprise PKI key management.
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Hardware Security Module (HSM)
Why this is correct
HSMs are designed for secure key generation, storage, and cryptographic operations.
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Software-based keystore
Why it's wrong here
Software keystores are more vulnerable to compromise.
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Key Management Service (KMS) in the cloud
Why it's wrong here
Cloud KMS is software-based and may not provide the same tamper resistance as an HSM.
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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.