DS0-001 Data Systems Management Practice Question
A DBA needs to implement transparent data encryption (TDE) for an entire database. Which component is required to protect the Database Encryption Key (DEK) in a SQL Server environment?
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
✓
Certificate
The Certificate or Asymmetric Key is required to protect the DEK, which in turn is protected by the Master Key in the master database.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Active Directory group
Why it's wrong here
AD groups manage access, not encryption keys.
- ✗
Service Master Key
Why it's wrong here
The SMK protects the Database Master Key, but the DEK is protected by a certificate.
- ✗
SSL/TLS certificate
Why it's wrong here
SSL/TLS certificates are for network transport security, not data-at-rest encryption.
- ✓
Certificate
Why this is correct
TDE uses a DEK, which must be protected by a certificate or an asymmetric key.
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 |
About these practice questions
One of 216 original DS0-001 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 August 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This DS0-001 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 DS0-001 exam.