SY0-701 Security Program Management and Oversight Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates choose indefinite retention (Option A) thinking it helps with audits, but security requires compliance with the stated retention policy, not hoarding data.
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
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.
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 of scanned government IDs violates data minimization principles and creates unnecessary privacy and legal risk. Retention schedules are defined by business necessity and regulatory requirements, not speculative future audits, and most audit frameworks require records to be kept only for a specific period. Keeping PII longer than necessary increases the impact of a potential breach and may itself be a compliance violation under privacy regulations such as GDPR or CCPA.
- ✗
Move the files to a shared folder so more HR staff can access them
Why it's wrong here
Moving sensitive identity documents to a shared folder expands access beyond a strict need-to-know basis, directly violating least-privilege principles. Unlike an encrypted repository, a shared folder typically lacks fine-grained access controls, audit trails, and automated retention enforcement, increasing the risk of accidental disclosure, insider misuse, or unauthorized external access. Broader availability does not improve security and can defeat the purpose of controlled handling of PII.
- ✓
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.
- ✗
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.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Risk Management Concepts
Key term
Compliance
Compliance is the process of ensuring that an organization follows laws, regulations, standards, and internal policies that apply to its operations and data handling.
Key term
Integrity
Integrity is the assurance that data has not been altered or tampered with in an unauthorized way, preserving its accuracy and consistency from source to destination.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.