CAS-004 Security Engineering Practice Question
During a security assessment, an analyst discovers that an HSM used for key generation is FIPS 140-2 Level 2 compliant. The organization requires a higher level of physical security to prevent tampering. Which upgrade would best address this requirement?
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
✓
Upgrade to FIPS 140-2 Level 3
FIPS 140-2 Level 3 requires tamper-evident coatings and physical security mechanisms. Level 4 is even higher but may be overkill. Moving to Level 2 is same. Level 1 has no physical security. Software-based TPM is not equivalent.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Implement a TPM 2.0 instead
Why it's wrong here
A TPM is a different component and may not meet the same key management requirements.
- ✗
Upgrade to FIPS 140-2 Level 4
Why it's wrong here
Level 4 provides the highest security but may be more than needed; Level 3 is sufficient for tamper evidence.
- ✓
Upgrade to FIPS 140-2 Level 3
Why this is correct
Level 3 adds tamper-evident seals and physical security requirements.
- ✗
Use a software-based key store
Why it's wrong here
Software key stores lack physical security.
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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.