- A
A DLP job trigger
Why wrong: A job trigger is for recurring scans, but a one-time job can be created directly.
- B
A de-identification template with a redaction transform (e.g., MaskingConfig)
The de-identification template specifies how to redact the detected data.
- C
An inspection template with infoTypes EMAIL_ADDRESS and PHONE_NUMBER
The inspection template defines the sensitive data types to detect.
- D
A Cloud KMS key ring
Why wrong: Cloud KMS is not required for basic DLP inspection and redaction.
- E
A BigQuery dataset
Why wrong: BigQuery is not needed; the source is Cloud Storage.
PCSE Ensuring Data Protection Practice Question
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of ensuring data protection. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 needs to detect and redact sensitive data such as email addresses and phone numbers from documents stored in Cloud Storage. They plan to use Cloud DLP. Which two resources must they create first? (Choose TWO).
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
A de-identification template with a redaction transform (e.g., MaskingConfig)
To use Cloud DLP for scanning and redacting, you need an inspection template that defines what to look for (infoTypes like EMAIL_ADDRESS, PHONE_NUMBER) and optionally a de-identification template for redaction. Then you create a DLP job that references both templates and targets the Cloud Storage bucket. A job trigger is for scheduled scans, not mandatory for a one-time job. A key ring is not directly needed for DLP.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A DLP job trigger
Why it's wrong here
A job trigger is for recurring scans, but a one-time job can be created directly.
- ✓
A de-identification template with a redaction transform (e.g., MaskingConfig)
Why this is correct
The de-identification template specifies how to redact the detected data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
An inspection template with infoTypes EMAIL_ADDRESS and PHONE_NUMBER
Why this is correct
The inspection template defines the sensitive data types to detect.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
A Cloud KMS key ring
Why it's wrong here
Cloud KMS is not required for basic DLP inspection and redaction.
- ✗
A BigQuery dataset
Why it's wrong here
BigQuery is not needed; the source is Cloud Storage.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PCSE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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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 — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A de-identification template with a redaction transform (e.g., MaskingConfig) — To use Cloud DLP for scanning and redacting, you need an inspection template that defines what to look for (infoTypes like EMAIL_ADDRESS, PHONE_NUMBER) and optionally a de-identification template for redaction. Then you create a DLP job that references both templates and targets the Cloud Storage bucket. A job trigger is for scheduled scans, not mandatory for a one-time job. A key ring is not directly needed for DLP.
What should I do if I get this PCSE question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PCSE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
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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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