PCSE Ensuring Data Protection Practice Question
A company uses Cloud HSM to protect their cryptographic keys. They need to ensure that the key material never leaves the HSM. Which key purpose is supported by Cloud HSM keys?
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
✓
All key purposes (ENCRYPT_DECRYPT, ASYMMETRIC_SIGN, ASYMMETRIC_DECRYPT, MAC)
Cloud HSM provides FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated HSM for key material. HSM keys can have purposes ENCRYPT_DECRYPT, ASYMMETRIC_SIGN, ASYMMETRIC_DECRYPT, and MAC. The key material remains inside the HSM cluster and is never exposed to the customer. Software keys (software-backed) are stored in Cloud KMS but not in HSM.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Only symmetric ENCRYPT_DECRYPT
Why it's wrong here
Cloud HSM supports both symmetric and asymmetric key purposes.
- ✗
Only MAC purpose
Why it's wrong here
MAC is one supported purpose, but not the only one.
- ✓
All key purposes (ENCRYPT_DECRYPT, ASYMMETRIC_SIGN, ASYMMETRIC_DECRYPT, MAC)
Why this is correct
Cloud HSM supports all key purposes, with key material protected inside the HSM.
- ✗
Only asymmetric purposes
Why it's wrong here
Cloud HSM supports symmetric purposes as well.
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 |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCSE 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 PCSE exam.