CAS-004 Security Engineering Practice Question
A security engineer is evaluating hardware security modules (HSMs) for key management. The HSM must support key generation, storage, and cryptographic operations without exposing private keys. Additionally, the solution must comply with FIPS 140-2 Level 3. Which THREE features are essential for this requirement? (Select THREE.)
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
✓
Physical security mechanisms (e.g., locks, tamper switches)
FIPS 140-2 Level 3 requires tamper-evident coatings, physical security, and cryptographic boundary. Key ceremony is a procedural control, not a feature of the HSM itself. Secure boot is for general computing. Multi-factor authentication is a user access control, not a core HSM feature.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Physical security mechanisms (e.g., locks, tamper switches)
Why this is correct
Level 3 requires physical security mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
- ✓
Cryptographic boundary
Why this is correct
Defines the secure perimeter for cryptographic operations.
- ✗
Key ceremony support
Why it's wrong here
Key ceremony is a process, not a hardware feature.
- ✓
Tamper-evident seals and coatings
Why this is correct
Level 3 requires tamper evidence.
- ✗
Secure boot of the HSM firmware
Why it's wrong here
Secure boot is important but not a requirement for FIPS 140-2 Level 3 specifically.
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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.