Google PCA Manage implementation of cloud architecture Practice Question
A company has a requirement to store application logs for 7 years for compliance. They are using Cloud Logging. What is the most cost-effective way to retain logs?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates assume Cloud Logging's retention settings can be extended arbitrarily, but the exam tests knowledge that log buckets have a hard 365-day maximum (except _Required at 400 days), making export to Cloud Storage with lifecycle rules the only viable long-term, cost-effective solution.
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
✓
Export logs to Cloud Storage with Object Lifecycle management to delete after 7 years
Cloud Logging's default retention is limited (e.g., 30 days for logs in the default _Default bucket, and up to 365 days for custom log buckets). To meet a 7-year compliance requirement cost-effectively, you should export logs to Cloud Storage and use Object Lifecycle Management to delete objects after 7 years. Cloud Storage offers lower long-term storage costs than retaining logs in Logging's _Required or custom buckets, and lifecycle rules automate deletion without ongoing compute costs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set the log bucket retention to 7 years
Why it's wrong here
Log retention in Cloud Logging incurs costs and is more expensive than Cloud Storage.
- ✓
Export logs to Cloud Storage with Object Lifecycle management to delete after 7 years
Why this is correct
Cloud Storage is cost-effective for long-term retention with lifecycle rules.
- ✗
Export logs to BigQuery and run scheduled queries to delete old data
Why it's wrong here
BigQuery storage and queries are more costly for long-term archival.
- ✗
Use Cloud Logging's default retention and rely on backups
Why it's wrong here
Default retention is 30 days, insufficient for 7 years.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Google Cloud Platform
Key term
Cloud logging
Cloud logging is the practice of collecting, storing, and analyzing log data generated by cloud-based resources and applications to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and maintain security.
Key term
Cloud storage
Cloud storage is a service that lets you save data on remote servers accessed over the internet instead of on your computer's hard drive.
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