Google PCA Designing for Security and Compliance Practice Question
A company wants to use Customer-Managed Encryption Keys (CMEK) for data at rest in Cloud Storage, but also needs to ensure that the keys are stored in a hardware security module (HSM) to meet compliance requirements. Which Cloud KMS key type should they choose?
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
✓
Cloud HSM key
Cloud HSM provides HSM-backed keys that are FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified. Using Cloud HSM for the CMEK ensures the key material is stored in a hardware security module.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Predefined key
Why it's wrong here
Predefined keys are Google-managed, not CMEK.
- ✗
External key (Cloud External Key Manager)
Why it's wrong here
External keys are managed outside Google Cloud, not necessarily in an HSM.
- ✗
Software-backed key
Why it's wrong here
Software keys are not stored in an HSM.
- ✓
Cloud HSM key
Why this is correct
Cloud HSM keys are stored in FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified HSMs.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Google Cloud Platform
Key term
HSM
An HSM (Hardware Security Module) is a dedicated hardware device that securely generates, stores, and manages cryptographic keys used to protect sensitive data.
Key term
KMS
KMS (Key Management Service) is a Microsoft technology that automates volume licensing activation for Windows and Office products within an organization's network.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCA 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 PCA exam.