CAS-004 Security Engineering Practice Question
An organization is setting up a PKI with a three-tier hierarchy (root CA, issuing CA, and registration authority). Which TWO of the following are best practices for securing the root CA?
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
✓
Keep the root CA offline and physically secured
The root CA should be kept offline to prevent compromise, and its private key should be stored in an HSM. The issuing CA handles day-to-day 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.
- ✗
Allow the root CA to be accessible over the network for certificate requests
Why it's wrong here
The root CA should be offline and not network-accessible.
- ✗
Enable CRL distribution points on the root CA
Why it's wrong here
CRL distribution should be handled by issuing CAs.
- ✗
Use the root CA to issue end-entity certificates directly
Why it's wrong here
Best practice is to use an issuing CA for end-entity certificates.
- ✓
Keep the root CA offline and physically secured
Why this is correct
Offline storage prevents remote attacks.
- ✓
Store the root CA private key in an HSM
Why this is correct
HSM provides tamper protection for the private key.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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