PCSE Ensuring Data Protection Practice Question
An organization needs to store cryptographic keys that must be protected in a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated hardware security module (HSM). Which Google Cloud service should they use?
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
Cloud HSM provides FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated HSM for key material. Keys are generated and stored in the 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.
- ✗
Secret Manager
Why it's wrong here
Secret Manager does not provide HSM protection.
- ✗
Cloud KMS with software-backed keys
Why it's wrong here
Software keys do not meet Level 3 HSM requirement.
- ✗
Cloud External Key Manager
Why it's wrong here
EKM uses external key management outside GCP; does not guarantee FIPS 140-2 Level 3.
- ✓
Cloud HSM
Why this is correct
Cloud HSM meets FIPS 140-2 Level 3.
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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.