CAS-004 Security Engineering Practice Question
A security engineer is evaluating a new Hardware Security Module (HSM) for a financial application that requires FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliance. Which TWO features are required for Level 3 validation? (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
✓
Tamper-evident coatings or seals on the HSM
FIPS 140-2 Level 3 requires tamper-evident coatings or seals and identity-based authentication (e.g., passwords, biometrics). Level 2 requires tamper-evident coatings but not identity-based. Level 4 requires tamper detection and zeroization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Encryption of all data at rest
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest is not a specific FIPS 140-2 level requirement.
- ✓
Tamper-evident coatings or seals on the HSM
Why this is correct
Level 3 requires physical security mechanisms that show evidence of tampering.
- ✗
Role-based access control
Why it's wrong here
RBAC is not a specific requirement for Level 3; identity-based authentication is.
- ✓
Identity-based authentication for operators
Why this is correct
Level 3 requires that operators be authenticated via identity-based mechanisms.
- ✗
Environmental failure protection
Why it's wrong here
Environmental failure protection is part of Level 4, not Level 3.
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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.