CV0-004 Security Practice Question
A cloud security team is implementing encryption for data at rest using customer-managed keys in a cloud KMS. Which THREE practices should be followed?
⚠ Common exam trap
The CV0-004 exam often tests the misconception that storing keys in code is acceptable if the code is in a private repository, but the trap here is that any plaintext key in code is a critical vulnerability, regardless of repository access controls.
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
✓
Use IAM policies to restrict who can use and manage the keys.
IAM policies are essential for enforcing the principle of least privilege in cloud KMS. By restricting who can use (encrypt/decrypt) and manage (rotate/disable/destroy) customer-managed keys, the security team ensures that only authorized principals can access the key material. This prevents unauthorized users or services from compromising data at rest, which is a core requirement for compliance frameworks like PCI DSS or HIPAA.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use IAM policies to restrict who can use and manage the keys.
Why this is correct
IAM controls access to KMS keys.
- ✓
Enable automatic key rotation.
Why this is correct
Rotation limits exposure if a key is compromised.
- ✗
Store the key material in plaintext in the application code.
Why it's wrong here
Storing keys in code is insecure.
- ✗
Use a default cloud provider key to simplify management.
Why it's wrong here
Customer-managed keys provide more control; default keys are provider-managed.
- ✓
Back up the key material securely in a separate location.
Why this is correct
Backup ensures availability if the primary key is lost.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CV0-004 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 CV0-004 exam.