The answer is to re-encrypt the existing tape and implement encryption for all future backups. This is the best remediation for unencrypted backup tape because data at rest encryption must cover every instance of stored data; leaving the existing tape unencrypted would still violate the compliance policy, even if future backups are secured. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that remediation must be comprehensive—addressing both current non-compliance and preventing future violations. A common trap is choosing to only encrypt new backups, which ignores the existing exposure, or selecting a network-based encryption solution that does not protect data at rest on tape. Remember the mnemonic “Fix the past, lock the future” to recall that both the existing unencrypted tape and all subsequent backups require encryption to fully satisfy data at rest requirements.
CAS-004 Governance, Risk and Compliance Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of governance, risk and compliance. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a compliance audit, an organization discovers that its backup data for a critical database is stored in an unencrypted format on a tape that is kept offsite. The organization's data protection policy requires encryption of all data at rest. Which of the following is the BEST remediation action?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Re-encrypt the existing tape and implement encryption for all future backups
Option C is the best remediation because it directly addresses the compliance violation by re-encrypting the existing unencrypted tape and ensuring all future backups are encrypted before being written to tape. This aligns with the data protection policy requiring encryption of data at rest, as the tape is a storage medium that holds data at rest. Simply encrypting future backups (Option D) would leave the existing unencrypted data in violation, while the other options do not address the at-rest encryption requirement.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Change the offsite storage provider to one with better physical security
Why it's wrong here
Physical security does not provide encryption.
✗
Implement TLS for data transmission to offsite storage
Re-encrypt the existing tape and implement encryption for all future backups
Why this is correct
Remediates the non-compliance for existing and future backups.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Encrypt all future backups before writing to tape
Why it's wrong here
Does not address the existing unencrypted tape.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse encryption of data in transit (TLS) with encryption of data at rest, or they choose to only encrypt future backups, overlooking the need to remediate the existing non-compliant data that is already stored unencrypted.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Encryption at rest for tape typically uses AES-256 with a key management system (KMS) to encrypt data before writing to the tape medium. In a real-world scenario, the organization would need to read the existing tape, re-encrypt the data using a tool like OpenSSL or a hardware security module (HSM), and then write it back to a new encrypted tape, ensuring the old tape is securely erased. This process also requires updating backup software configurations to enable native encryption (e.g., using LTO-5 or later tape drive encryption) for all future jobs.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Governance, Risk and Compliance — This question tests Governance, Risk and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Re-encrypt the existing tape and implement encryption for all future backups — Option C is the best remediation because it directly addresses the compliance violation by re-encrypting the existing unencrypted tape and ensuring all future backups are encrypted before being written to tape. This aligns with the data protection policy requiring encryption of data at rest, as the tape is a storage medium that holds data at rest. Simply encrypting future backups (Option D) would leave the existing unencrypted data in violation, while the other options do not address the at-rest encryption requirement.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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