CAS-004 Security Architecture Practice Question
Which cryptographic best practice ensures that a private key remains protected even if the server it is stored on is compromised?
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
✓
Storing keys in a hardware security module (HSM)
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) provide tamper-resistant hardware to protect private keys, preventing extraction even if the server is compromised.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Storing keys in a hardware security module (HSM)
Why this is correct
Correct – HSMs protect keys in hardware.
- ✗
Encrypting keys with AES-256
Why it's wrong here
Encrypted keys can still be decrypted if the encryption key is exposed.
- ✗
Using short key rotation intervals
Why it's wrong here
Rotation reduces impact but does not protect current key.
- ✗
Using strong key derivation functions
Why it's wrong here
KDFs protect passwords, not keys.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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