- A
Set the protection level of the key to software.
Why wrong: Software keys do not meet the FIPS 140-2 Level 3 HSM requirement.
- B
Create a key ring in Cloud KMS.
Key rings are containers for keys; they must exist before creating keys.
- C
Create a symmetric key with protection level HSM.
Why wrong: Symmetric keys cannot be used for signing; they are for encryption/decryption.
- D
Enable key rotation on the key ring.
Why wrong: Key rotation is set on keys, not key rings, and does not address the HSM requirement.
- E
Create a key with purpose ASYMMETRIC_SIGN and protection level HSM.
This creates an asymmetric signing key stored in a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 HSM.
Question 229 of 985
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 wants to use Cloud KMS to protect sensitive data. They have a requirement that the key material must be stored in a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated HSM. They also need to be able to create and use asymmetric keys for signing. 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 key ring in Cloud KMS.
Cloud HSM provides FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated HSM for key material. Creating a key ring and setting the protection level to HSM ensures keys are generated in the HSM. Asymmetric signing keys can be created in Cloud HSM with purpose ASYMMETRIC_SIGN. Setting protection level to software would not meet the HSM requirement. Using symmetric keys only would not support signing. Creating a key ring in Cloud KMS is a prerequisite, but protection level must be HSM.
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.
- ✗
Set the protection level of the key to software.
Why it's wrong here
Software keys do not meet the FIPS 140-2 Level 3 HSM requirement.
- ✓
Create a key ring in Cloud KMS.
Why this is correct
Key rings are containers for keys; they must exist before creating keys.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a symmetric key with protection level HSM.
Why it's wrong here
Symmetric keys cannot be used for signing; they are for encryption/decryption.
- ✗
Enable key rotation on the key ring.
Why it's wrong here
Key rotation is set on keys, not key rings, and does not address the HSM requirement.
- ✓
Create a key with purpose ASYMMETRIC_SIGN and protection level HSM.
Why this is correct
This creates an asymmetric signing key stored in a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 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.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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 key ring in Cloud KMS. — Cloud HSM provides FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated HSM for key material. Creating a key ring and setting the protection level to HSM ensures keys are generated in the HSM. Asymmetric signing keys can be created in Cloud HSM with purpose ASYMMETRIC_SIGN. Setting protection level to software would not meet the HSM requirement. Using symmetric keys only would not support signing. Creating a key ring in Cloud KMS is a prerequisite, but protection level must be HSM.
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.
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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