PCSE Ensuring Data Protection Practice Question
A company wants to use Cloud KMS with a key that is protected by a Hardware Security Module (HSM) and meets FIPS 140-2 Level 3. Which key type should they create in Cloud KMS?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mistake is assuming that any key stored in Cloud HSM (including imported external keys) meets FIPS 140-2 Level 3, but only Cloud KMS-generated HSM keys are certified at that level.
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
✓
HSM key with any purpose
Cloud KMS offers HSM keys that are generated and protected within an FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified HSM. When a company requires FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliance, the only key type that meets this requirement is an HSM key, regardless of its purpose (e.g., symmetric encryption, asymmetric signing). Software keys, even with any purpose, only meet FIPS 140-2 Level 1.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
HSM key with any purpose
Why this is correct
HSM keys are backed by Cloud HSM and meet FIPS 140-2 Level 3.
- ✗
External key stored in Cloud HSM
Why it's wrong here
External keys are not directly supported; Cloud KMS HSM keys are the correct choice.
- ✗
Software key with ASYMMETRIC_SIGN purpose
Why it's wrong here
Software keys are not HSM-backed.
- ✗
Software key with ENCRYPT_DECRYPT purpose
Why it's wrong here
Software keys are not HSM-backed.
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 |
Go deeper
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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.