SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
A security administrator is implementing a new backup strategy. The organization requires that backups be encrypted at rest and that the encryption keys be managed separately from the backup data. Which of the following should the administrator implement to meet these requirements?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that any encryption at rest satisfies the requirement, but the key must be managed separately from the data to prevent a single point of compromise.
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 a backup solution that supports client-side encryption with a key management server (KMS).
Client-side encryption with a key management server (KMS) ensures that data is encrypted before transmission and stored encrypted, while the keys are managed in a separate, secure system. This separation of duties prevents a compromise of the backup storage from exposing the keys, and allows for centralized key lifecycle management.
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 a cloud backup service that encrypts data at rest with a provider-managed key.
Why it's wrong here
Provider-managed keys mean the cloud provider controls the encryption keys, not the organization. This does not meet the requirement of separate key management by the organization, as the provider has access to the keys. The organization needs to manage its own keys to ensure separation.
- ✗
Enable AES-256 encryption on the backup target storage array and store the encryption key in a configuration file on the backup server.
Why it's wrong here
Storing the encryption key in a configuration file on the backup server does not separate key management from the data; an attacker who compromises the server can obtain both the key and the backups. The requirement is to manage keys separately, so this approach fails.
- ✗
Store backups on an encrypted USB drive and keep the drive in a safe.
Why it's wrong here
While this provides encryption at rest, the encryption key is typically tied to the drive itself or a passphrase, which is not managed separately from the backup data. If the drive is stolen, the data may be accessible if the passphrase is weak or stored with the drive. This does not meet the requirement of separate key management.
- ✓
Use a backup solution that supports client-side encryption with a key management server (KMS).
Why this is correct
Client-side encryption with a KMS allows the backup data to be encrypted before it leaves the source, and the keys are stored and managed in a separate KMS. This meets both requirements: encryption at rest and separate key management. The KMS can enforce access controls and key rotation policies independently of the backup storage.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Federated Identity Management
Key term
Key management
Key management is the process of creating, storing, distributing, using, rotating, and destroying cryptographic keys securely throughout their entire lifecycle.
Key term
Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting readable data into a secret code to prevent unauthorized access.
About these practice questions
One of 1,030 original SY0-701 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.