- A
Generate a new key-encryption key and use it for future backups.
A new wrapping key can be introduced without changing the underlying encrypted backup data immediately.
- B
Rewrap the existing data-encryption keys with the new key-encryption key.
Envelope encryption lets the organization change the wrapping key while leaving data-encryption keys intact.
- C
Decrypt and re-encrypt every backup object immediately with a new data key.
Why wrong: That approach is unnecessary here and would create a much larger operational burden than required.
- D
Destroy the old key before the rewrapping process finishes.
Why wrong: Deleting the old key too early would prevent access to data that still depends on it during transition.
- E
Replace the hashing algorithm used for file integrity checks.
Why wrong: Hashing and key rotation are separate concerns, so changing the hash algorithm does not rotate encryption keys.
Quick Answer
The correct approach is to generate a new key-encryption key and rewrap the existing data-encryption keys with it. This works because envelope encryption decouples the protection of data from the protection of keys; the data-encryption keys (DEKs) are encrypted under a key-encryption key (KEK), so rotating the KEK only requires decrypting and re-encrypting the small DEKs, not the terabytes of backup data. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of cryptographic agility and operational efficiency—a common trap is assuming you must re-encrypt all data, which would be impractical. Remember the memory tip: "Rewrap, don't re-encrypt"—the KEK changes, but the DEKs and their encrypted data stay untouched.
SY0-701 General Security Concepts Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of general security concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A cloud backup service uses envelope encryption. The key-encryption key is nearing the end of its approved lifetime, but the business cannot decrypt and re-encrypt every backup object this week. Which two statements best describe the correct rotation approach? Select two.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Generate a new key-encryption key and use it for future backups.
Option A is correct because envelope encryption allows the key-encryption key (KEK) to be rotated without touching the underlying data. Generating a new KEK and using it for future backups ensures that new data-encryption keys (DEKs) are wrapped with the fresh KEK, maintaining security without requiring immediate decryption and re-encryption of all existing backup objects.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Generate a new key-encryption key and use it for future backups.
Why this is correct
A new wrapping key can be introduced without changing the underlying encrypted backup data immediately.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Rewrap the existing data-encryption keys with the new key-encryption key.
Why this is correct
Envelope encryption lets the organization change the wrapping key while leaving data-encryption keys intact.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Decrypt and re-encrypt every backup object immediately with a new data key.
Why it's wrong here
That approach is unnecessary here and would create a much larger operational burden than required.
- ✗
Destroy the old key before the rewrapping process finishes.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting the old key too early would prevent access to data that still depends on it during transition.
- ✗
Replace the hashing algorithm used for file integrity checks.
Why it's wrong here
Hashing and key rotation are separate concerns, so changing the hash algorithm does not rotate encryption keys.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume key rotation requires re-encrypting all data, missing the core advantage of envelope encryption where only the key-encryption key needs to be rotated and DEKs can be rewrapped independently.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In envelope encryption, the KEK is used only to wrap/unwrap DEKs, not to encrypt data directly. The rewrapping process (Option B) involves decrypting each DEK with the old KEK and re-encrypting it with the new KEK, which is a lightweight cryptographic operation that can be performed asynchronously without touching the backup objects themselves. This approach is standardized in cloud services like AWS KMS, where key rotation can be automated via key aliases and automatic key rotation policies.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
General Security Concepts — This question tests General Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Generate a new key-encryption key and use it for future backups. — Option A is correct because envelope encryption allows the key-encryption key (KEK) to be rotated without touching the underlying data. Generating a new KEK and using it for future backups ensures that new data-encryption keys (DEKs) are wrapped with the fresh KEK, maintaining security without requiring immediate decryption and re-encryption of all existing backup objects.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 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 SY0-701 exam.
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