PCSE Ensuring Data Protection Practice Question
What is the purpose of Cloud HSM?
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
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To provide FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated hardware security for key material
Cloud HSM is a managed hardware security module (HSM) service that provides FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated security for cryptographic keys. It allows you to generate, store, and manage keys in a tamper-resistant hardware device.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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To manage secrets such as API keys and passwords
Why it's wrong here
Secret Manager is for secrets, not HSM.
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To provide FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated hardware security for key material
Why this is correct
Cloud HSM provides hardware-backed key storage with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation.
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To automatically rotate encryption keys
Why it's wrong here
Cloud KMS can automate rotation, but Cloud HSM is a key storage backend.
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To encrypt data at rest using Google-managed keys
Why it's wrong here
That is Google default encryption; Cloud HSM is for customer-managed keys.
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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.