The answer is to use the default encryption provided by Cloud SQL and enforce SSL/TLS connections. This is correct because Cloud SQL for MySQL automatically encrypts all data at rest using AES-256 with no additional configuration, satisfying the encryption at rest requirement. For encryption in transit, you must explicitly enforce SSL/TLS by configuring the instance to require secure connections and distributing the server certificate to clients, which ensures all data moving between the application and database is encrypted. On the Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer exam, this question tests your understanding that Cloud SQL handles encryption at rest by default, while encryption in transit requires deliberate action—a common trap is assuming both are automatic. Remember the memory tip: "Rest is default, transit you must enforce."
PCSE Ensuring data protection Practice Question
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of ensuring data protection. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 SQL for MySQL to store financial data. They need to ensure that all data is encrypted at rest and in transit. What should they do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the default encryption provided by Cloud SQL and enforce SSL/TLS connections.
Option D is correct because Cloud SQL for MySQL automatically encrypts data at rest using AES-256, with no additional configuration required. To protect data in transit, you must enforce SSL/TLS connections by configuring the instance to require SSL and downloading the server certificate for client connections. This combination satisfies both encryption requirements without unnecessary complexity.
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.
✗
Use client-side encryption before storing data in Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary because Cloud SQL provides encryption.
✗
Enable encryption at rest by checking a box in the Cloud Console.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest is enabled by default; no action needed.
✗
Enable CMEK on the Cloud SQL instance and configure SSL/TLS.
Why it's wrong here
CMEK is optional; Cloud SQL provides encryption by default.
✓
Use the default encryption provided by Cloud SQL and enforce SSL/TLS connections.
Why this is correct
Cloud SQL encrypts data at rest by default and supports SSL/TLS for in-transit encryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Google Cloud often tests the misconception that encryption at rest requires manual enablement or CMEK, when in fact Cloud SQL encrypts all data at rest by default, and the key decision is whether to enforce SSL/TLS for data in transit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cloud SQL uses Google's server-side encryption to encrypt data at rest at the storage layer, using AES-256 with keys managed by Google (or optionally by the customer via CMEK). For encryption in transit, Cloud SQL supports TLS 1.2 and 1.3; you must enforce SSL by setting the 'require_secure_transport' flag to ON and configuring the instance to only accept SSL connections, which prevents unencrypted traffic even if a client tries to connect without TLS.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: Use the default encryption provided by Cloud SQL and enforce SSL/TLS connections. — Option D is correct because Cloud SQL for MySQL automatically encrypts data at rest using AES-256, with no additional configuration required. To protect data in transit, you must enforce SSL/TLS connections by configuring the instance to require SSL and downloading the server certificate for client connections. This combination satisfies both encryption requirements without unnecessary complexity.
What should I do if I get this PCSE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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