PCDOE Practice Question: Bootstrapping a Google Cloud organization for DevOps
Which TWO are valid methods to manage service account keys securely? (Select exactly 2)
⚠ Common exam trap
Google Cloud often tests the misconception that manual rotation is acceptable, but the PCDOE exam emphasizes automation and keyless authentication as the only secure methods for managing service account keys at scale.
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
✓
Automate key rotation using a Cloud Function.
Automating key rotation with a Cloud Function ensures service account keys are rotated on a schedule without manual intervention, reducing the risk of key exposure. This aligns with Google Cloud's best practices for key management, as it enforces rotation policies programmatically and can integrate with Secret Manager to securely store and version keys.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Rotate keys manually every 90 days.
Why it's wrong here
Manual rotation is error-prone and not recommended.
- ✓
Automate key rotation using a Cloud Function.
Why this is correct
Automates rotation, reducing risk.
- ✓
Use workload identity federation to avoid keys.
Why this is correct
Eliminates static keys.
- ✗
Embed keys in application code.
Why it's wrong here
Insecure.
- ✗
Store keys in Cloud Storage with public access.
Why it's wrong here
Insecure.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCDOE 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 PCDOE exam.