- A
HSM key with any purpose
HSM keys are backed by Cloud HSM and meet FIPS 140-2 Level 3.
- B
External key stored in Cloud HSM
Why wrong: External keys are not directly supported; Cloud KMS HSM keys are the correct choice.
- C
Software key with ASYMMETRIC_SIGN purpose
Why wrong: Software keys are not HSM-backed.
- D
Software key with ENCRYPT_DECRYPT purpose
Why wrong: Software keys are not HSM-backed.
Question 292 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 with a key that is protected by a Hardware Security Module (HSM) and meets FIPS 140-2 Level 3. Which key type should they create in Cloud KMS?
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
✓
HSM key with any purpose
Cloud KMS offers HSM keys that are generated and protected within an FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified HSM. When a company requires FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliance, the only key type that meets this requirement is an HSM key, regardless of its purpose (e.g., symmetric encryption, asymmetric signing). Software keys, even with any purpose, only meet FIPS 140-2 Level 1.
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.
- ✓
HSM key with any purpose
Why this is correct
HSM keys are backed by Cloud HSM and meet FIPS 140-2 Level 3.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
External key stored in Cloud HSM
Why it's wrong here
External keys are not directly supported; Cloud KMS HSM keys are the correct choice.
- ✗
Software key with ASYMMETRIC_SIGN purpose
Why it's wrong here
Software keys are not HSM-backed.
- ✗
Software key with ENCRYPT_DECRYPT purpose
Why it's wrong here
Software keys are not HSM-backed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that any key stored in Cloud HSM (including imported external keys) meets FIPS 140-2 Level 3, but only Cloud KMS-generated HSM keys are certified at that level.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cloud KMS HSM keys are generated and stored within the HSM's secure boundary, ensuring that the private key material never leaves the HSM in plaintext. The HSM is certified at FIPS 140-2 Level 3, which requires tamper-evident physical security and identity-based authentication. In contrast, software keys are protected by software-based encryption at rest and only meet FIPS 140-2 Level 1, making them unsuitable for regulatory requirements that mandate Level 3.
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.
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: HSM key with any purpose — Cloud KMS offers HSM keys that are generated and protected within an FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified HSM. When a company requires FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliance, the only key type that meets this requirement is an HSM key, regardless of its purpose (e.g., symmetric encryption, asymmetric signing). Software keys, even with any purpose, only meet FIPS 140-2 Level 1.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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