hardMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Practice Question: A software developer writes code that stores…
A software developer writes code that stores sensitive user data. To comply with data protection regulations, which application-level security measure should be implemented?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse access control measures (like MFA) with data protection measures (like encryption), assuming that restricting who can log in is sufficient to protect stored data, but regulations require data to be encrypted regardless of 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 encryption for data storage and transmission.
Encryption (e.g., AES-256 for data at rest and TLS 1.3 for data in transit) renders sensitive user data unreadable to unauthorized parties, directly addressing data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA that mandate confidentiality. This is an application-level security measure implemented within the software code or database layer, not a network or perimeter control.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Install a firewall on the server.
Why it's wrong here
A server firewall filters network traffic at the host perimeter and cannot encrypt or protect sensitive data written by application code. It is tempting because firewalls are a familiar security measure, and one would be the right choice for restricting inbound ports and source addresses on the host.
- ✗
Run regular antivirus scans.
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus scans detect malicious files on the host but leave stored sensitive data readable if the disk or database is compromised. It is tempting as a routine security hygiene task, and it would be correct for identifying malware on endpoints rather than meeting data protection requirements for stored records.
- ✓
Use encryption for data storage and transmission.
Why this is correct
Encryption renders stored and transmitted sensitive data unreadable without the correct keys, satisfying data protection regulations that mandate protecting personal data at rest and in transit. It is an application-level control that prevents disclosure if storage or network traffic is compromised.
- ✗
Require multi-factor authentication for login.
Why it's wrong here
Multi-factor authentication hardens account login but does not protect the stored data itself; encryption at rest or in transit is the application-level control that satisfies data protection obligations. MFA is tempting because it is a recognised security control, and it would be correct for securing privileged access to systems.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.