- A
Ensure that Google's data centers are guarded 24/7
Why wrong: Physical security of data centers is Google's responsibility, not the customer's.
- B
Apply security patches to the guest OS and applications
Applying security patches to the guest OS and applications is a customer responsibility under the shared model.
- C
Configure IAM roles and policies to enforce least privilege
Configuring IAM roles and policies to enforce least privilege is a customer responsibility for access control.
- D
Encrypt data at rest and in transit using customer-managed encryption keys
Encrypting data at rest and in transit with customer-managed keys is a customer responsibility for data protection.
- E
Implement network segmentation using VPC firewalls
Why wrong: Implementing network segmentation with VPC firewalls is a customer responsibility, but the question asks for three actions; the chosen three are more directly tied to SOC 2 requirements.
Cloud Digital Leader Shared Responsibility Model Practice Question
This GCDL practice question tests your understanding of fundamental cloud concepts. 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. A key principle to apply: shared Responsibility Model. 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.
An organization is migrating a sensitive application to Google Cloud and must comply with SOC 2 requirements. Which THREE actions should they take to meet their security responsibilities under the shared responsibility model? (Choose 3.)
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
Apply security patches to the guest OS and applications
Under the shared responsibility model, the customer is responsible for managing access, securing data, and maintaining the guest OS and applications. For SOC 2 compliance, implementing IAM roles, encryption with customer-managed keys, and applying security patches are essential actions. While network segmentation via VPC firewalls is also a customer responsibility, these three are the most directly required by SOC 2 for data protection and access control.
Key principle: Shared Responsibility Model
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ensure that Google's data centers are guarded 24/7
Why it's wrong here
Physical security of data centers is Google's responsibility, not the customer's.
- ✓
Apply security patches to the guest OS and applications
Why this is correct
Applying security patches to the guest OS and applications is a customer responsibility under the shared model.
Related concept
Shared Responsibility Model
- ✓
Configure IAM roles and policies to enforce least privilege
Why this is correct
Configuring IAM roles and policies to enforce least privilege is a customer responsibility for access control.
Related concept
Shared Responsibility Model
- ✓
Encrypt data at rest and in transit using customer-managed encryption keys
Why this is correct
Encrypting data at rest and in transit with customer-managed keys is a customer responsibility for data protection.
Related concept
Shared Responsibility Model
- ✗
Implement network segmentation using VPC firewalls
Why it's wrong here
Implementing network segmentation with VPC firewalls is a customer responsibility, but the question asks for three actions; the chosen three are more directly tied to SOC 2 requirements.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Shared Responsibility Model
- SOC 2
- Least Privilege
- Customer-Managed Encryption Keys
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
Shared Responsibility Model
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review shared Responsibility Model, then practise related GCDL questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Fundamental Cloud Concepts — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this GCDL question test?
Fundamental Cloud Concepts — This question tests Fundamental Cloud Concepts — Shared Responsibility Model.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply security patches to the guest OS and applications — Under the shared responsibility model, the customer is responsible for managing access, securing data, and maintaining the guest OS and applications. For SOC 2 compliance, implementing IAM roles, encryption with customer-managed keys, and applying security patches are essential actions. While network segmentation via VPC firewalls is also a customer responsibility, these three are the most directly required by SOC 2 for data protection and access control.
What should I do if I get this GCDL question wrong?
Review shared Responsibility Model, then practise related GCDL questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Shared Responsibility Model
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This GCDL practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 GCDL exam.
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