- A
Create a new key ring and migrate all keys to it.
Why wrong: You can keep the same key ring; there is no need to create a new one.
- B
Change the protection level of the existing key version to HSM using the API.
Why wrong: The protection level of an existing key version cannot be changed.
- C
Delete the existing software key versions and recreate them with HSM protection.
Why wrong: Deleting existing versions would break decryption of data encrypted with them.
- D
Create a new key version with the protection level set to HSM.
You can create a new key version with the desired protection level; the existing software versions remain for decryption.
- E
Update the key's default protection level to HSM.
Setting the default protection level ensures that future automatically generated versions use HSM.
PCSE Ensuring Data Protection Practice Question
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of ensuring data protection. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is using Cloud KMS with software keys for encryption. They want to increase security by using an HSM backend without changing their existing key rings or key names. Which TWO steps should they take? (Choose two.)
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
Create a new key version with the protection level set to HSM.
To switch a key from software to HSM backend, you need to create a new key version with the protection level HSM, and then update the key's default protection level to HSM so that future versions are also HSM-backed. You cannot change the protection level of an existing key version.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create a new key ring and migrate all keys to it.
Why it's wrong here
You can keep the same key ring; there is no need to create a new one.
- ✗
Change the protection level of the existing key version to HSM using the API.
Why it's wrong here
The protection level of an existing key version cannot be changed.
- ✗
Delete the existing software key versions and recreate them with HSM protection.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting existing versions would break decryption of data encrypted with them.
- ✓
Create a new key version with the protection level set to HSM.
Why this is correct
You can create a new key version with the desired protection level; the existing software versions remain for decryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Update the key's default protection level to HSM.
Why this is correct
Setting the default protection level ensures that future automatically generated versions use HSM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PCSE exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Ensuring Data Protection — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCSE question test?
Ensuring Data Protection — This question tests Ensuring Data Protection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a new key version with the protection level set to HSM. — To switch a key from software to HSM backend, you need to create a new key version with the protection level HSM, and then update the key's default protection level to HSM so that future versions are also HSM-backed. You cannot change the protection level of an existing key version.
What should I do if I get this PCSE question wrong?
Identify which PCSE exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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