easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: A security architect needs to protect sensitive…
A security architect needs to protect sensitive data in use within a server's memory from other processes. Which technology should be implemented?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse TPM's hardware root of trust for storage and attestation with SGX's runtime memory isolation, leading them to select TPM even though it does not protect data in use from other processes.
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
✓
Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX)
Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX) is the correct choice because it creates hardware-enforced enclaves that isolate code and data in memory from other processes, including the operating system and hypervisor. This protects sensitive data in use by encrypting memory pages within the CPU package, ensuring that only the enclave code can access the plaintext data.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Secure Boot
Why it's wrong here
Secure Boot ensures only signed firmware and OS loaders execute but does not protect runtime memory.
- ✗
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Why it's wrong here
TPM is used for hardware-based key storage and attestation, not for protecting data in memory during runtime.
- ✓
Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX)
Why this is correct
SGX creates secure enclaves in memory, protecting data in use from other processes and the host OS.
- ✗
Hardware Security Module (HSM)
Why it's wrong here
HSM provides secure cryptographic processing and key storage but does not protect data in use within general memory.
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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.