Quick Answer
The answer is implementing data protection by design and default, as this is a mandatory requirement under GDPR for any organization processing EU citizens' personal data. This means privacy safeguards must be embedded into the architecture of systems and business processes from the outset, not added as an afterthought, and default settings must ensure the highest level of privacy automatically. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this concept tests your understanding of GDPR’s proactive compliance obligations, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish it from common misconceptions like mandatory data localization or strict 24-hour breach notification timelines. A frequent trap is confusing “by design” with optional measures—remember, it is a legal duty, not a best practice. Memory tip: think “privacy baked in, not bolted on” to recall that data protection must be integral from the start.
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of governance, risk and compliance. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An organization needs to demonstrate compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for processing personal data of EU citizens. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement under GDPR?
Obtain explicit consent for all data processing
Why wrong: Other lawful bases besides consent exist.
Notify supervisory authority of a breach within 24 hours
Why wrong: GDPR requires notification within 72 hours.
Implement data protection by design and default
GDPR requires data protection by design and default.
Store all personal data within the EU
Why wrong: Data localization is not mandatory; adequate safeguards can be used.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Implement data protection by design and default
Option A is correct because GDPR mandates that data protection must be integrated into processing activities (Data Protection by Design and Default). Option B is wrong because data localization is not a blanket requirement. Option C is wrong because breach notification is within 72 hours, not 24. Option D is wrong because consent is not always required; other lawful bases exist.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Obtain explicit consent for all data processing
Why it's wrong here
Other lawful bases besides consent exist.
Notify supervisory authority of a breach within 24 hours
Why it's wrong here
GDPR requires notification within 72 hours.
Implement data protection by design and default
Why this is correct
GDPR requires data protection by design and default.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Store all personal data within the EU
Why it's wrong here
Data localization is not mandatory; adequate safeguards can be used.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Governance, Risk and Compliance — This question tests Governance, Risk and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Implement data protection by design and default — Option A is correct because GDPR mandates that data protection must be integrated into processing activities (Data Protection by Design and Default). Option B is wrong because data localization is not a blanket requirement. Option C is wrong because breach notification is within 72 hours, not 24. Option D is wrong because consent is not always required; other lawful bases exist.
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CAS-004 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-004 exam.
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