CAS-004 Security Engineering Practice Question
An organization is implementing a hardware security module (HSM) to protect cryptographic keys used for code signing. The HSM is required to meet a government standard for physical security and tamper resistance. Which FIPS 140 security level must the HSM achieve to provide tamper-evident coatings and tamper response mechanisms?
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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FIPS 140-2 Level 3
FIPS 140-2 Level 3 requires tamper-evident coatings and tamper response mechanisms that zeroize keys upon tampering. Level 2 requires tamper-evident coatings but no response, Level 4 is for extreme environments.
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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FIPS 140-2 Level 3
Why this is correct
Level 3 requires tamper-evident coatings and tamper response mechanisms.
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FIPS 140-2 Level 4
Why it's wrong here
Level 4 provides protection against environmental attacks but is typically not required for code signing.
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FIPS 140-2 Level 2
Why it's wrong here
Level 2 requires tamper-evident coatings but no tamper response.
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FIPS 140-2 Level 1
Why it's wrong here
Level 1 has only basic security requirements, no tamper evidence.
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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.