- A
Keep the files indefinitely in case a future audit asks for them
Why wrong: Indefinite retention increases privacy and legal risk because the data is kept longer than necessary. Retention should follow a defined business or regulatory need, not an open-ended convenience argument.
- B
Move the files to a shared folder so more HR staff can access them
Why wrong: Expanding access without a need-to-know basis weakens privacy protection. A shared location can also increase the chance of accidental disclosure or improper handling of sensitive identity documents.
- C
Store the files in an encrypted repository and securely dispose of them when retention expires
This is the best answer because it matches the retention schedule and protects sensitive personal data. Encryption reduces exposure while the files are needed, and secure disposal after the retention period supports privacy, legal compliance, and data minimization. The process should also be auditable so the organization can prove it is following its handling requirements.
- D
Print the scanned IDs and place them in a locked cabinet instead of keeping digital copies
Why wrong: Physical storage can still be appropriate in some cases, but it does not solve the retention requirement by itself. Printing sensitive records can create additional handling burdens and does not eliminate the need for controlled destruction when the retention period ends.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to store the files in an encrypted repository and securely dispose of them when retention expires. This is correct because it satisfies both data retention and secure disposal requirements: encryption protects the sensitive government IDs during the 90-day storage period, while secure disposal—such as cryptographic erasure or degaussing—ensures the data is unrecoverable after the policy expires, aligning with data minimization principles. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the full data lifecycle, from protected storage to timely destruction, and often appears in questions about compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. A common trap is choosing only encryption or only disposal, but the exam expects both actions as a unified policy. Memory tip: “Encrypt to protect, destroy to forget”—think of the 90-day countdown as a deadline for both locking and shredding the data.
SY0-701 Security Program Management and Oversight Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security program management and oversight. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
HR stores scanned government IDs collected during onboarding. The retention policy says the files may be kept for 90 days after employment verification, then destroyed. What should security require?
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
Store the files in an encrypted repository and securely dispose of them when retention expires
Option C is correct because it aligns with the principle of data minimization and the retention policy: storing scanned government IDs in an encrypted repository ensures confidentiality and integrity, while secure disposal after the 90-day retention period meets compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and reduces risk of data breaches. Security must enforce both protection during storage and timely destruction to prevent unauthorized access or legal liability.
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.
- ✗
Keep the files indefinitely in case a future audit asks for them
Why it's wrong here
Indefinite retention increases privacy and legal risk because the data is kept longer than necessary. Retention should follow a defined business or regulatory need, not an open-ended convenience argument.
- ✗
Move the files to a shared folder so more HR staff can access them
Why it's wrong here
Expanding access without a need-to-know basis weakens privacy protection. A shared location can also increase the chance of accidental disclosure or improper handling of sensitive identity documents.
- ✓
Store the files in an encrypted repository and securely dispose of them when retention expires
Why this is correct
This is the best answer because it matches the retention schedule and protects sensitive personal data. Encryption reduces exposure while the files are needed, and secure disposal after the retention period supports privacy, legal compliance, and data minimization. The process should also be auditable so the organization can prove it is following its handling requirements.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Print the scanned IDs and place them in a locked cabinet instead of keeping digital copies
Why it's wrong here
Physical storage can still be appropriate in some cases, but it does not solve the retention requirement by itself. Printing sensitive records can create additional handling burdens and does not eliminate the need for controlled destruction when the retention period ends.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may choose indefinite retention (Option A) thinking it helps with audits, but security requires compliance with the stated retention policy, not hoarding data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Encrypted repositories typically use AES-256 encryption at rest (e.g., via BitLocker, LUKS, or cloud KMS) and TLS 1.3 in transit, with access controlled by IAM policies and MFA. Secure disposal for digital files involves cryptographic erasure (e.g., overwriting with zeros or using a secure delete tool like `shred` on Linux) or destroying the encryption keys, ensuring data is irrecoverable even from backups. In real-world scenarios, failure to destroy PII within the retention window can lead to regulatory fines (e.g., up to 4% of global turnover under GDPR) and reputational damage.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Program Management and Oversight — This question tests Security Program Management and Oversight — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Store the files in an encrypted repository and securely dispose of them when retention expires — Option C is correct because it aligns with the principle of data minimization and the retention policy: storing scanned government IDs in an encrypted repository ensures confidentiality and integrity, while secure disposal after the 90-day retention period meets compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and reduces risk of data breaches. Security must enforce both protection during storage and timely destruction to prevent unauthorized access or legal liability.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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