- A
Ensure that the key's destruction policy does not automatically destroy versions before 6 months
By default, old versions are not destroyed; they remain available.
- B
Manually rotate the key every 30 days using a Cloud Function
Why wrong: Automatic rotation via rotation period is simpler and meets the requirement.
- C
Set the rotation period to 30 days on the cryptographic key
This enables automatic rotation every 30 days.
- D
Keep the previous key versions and not schedule their destruction
This ensures they are available for decryption.
- E
Configure the key's `next_rotation_time` to start rotation immediately
Why wrong: Setting rotation period already schedules rotation; next_rotation_time is not needed.
Question 30 of 985
PCSE Ensuring Data Protection Practice Question
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of ensuring data protection. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 security team wants to ensure that a Cloud KMS key is rotated automatically every 30 days and that previous key versions are available for decryption for at least 6 months. Which THREE steps should they take? (Choose three.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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
✓
Ensure that the key's destruction policy does not automatically destroy versions before 6 months
To meet the requirements: 1) Set rotation period to 30 days on the key; 2) Do not destroy old key versions until after 6 months; 3) The default destruction policy does not automatically destroy old versions, so they remain available. Setting a primary version is not required for rotation, and disabling rotation is contrary.
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.
- ✓
Ensure that the key's destruction policy does not automatically destroy versions before 6 months
Why this is correct
By default, old versions are not destroyed; they remain available.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Manually rotate the key every 30 days using a Cloud Function
Why it's wrong here
Automatic rotation via rotation period is simpler and meets the requirement.
- ✓
Set the rotation period to 30 days on the cryptographic key
Why this is correct
This enables automatic rotation every 30 days.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Keep the previous key versions and not schedule their destruction
Why this is correct
This ensures they are available for decryption.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure the key's `next_rotation_time` to start rotation immediately
Why it's wrong here
Setting rotation period already schedules rotation; next_rotation_time is not needed.
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.
- →
Ensuring Data Protection — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Ensuring Data Protection practice questions
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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: Ensure that the key's destruction policy does not automatically destroy versions before 6 months — To meet the requirements: 1) Set rotation period to 30 days on the key; 2) Do not destroy old key versions until after 6 months; 3) The default destruction policy does not automatically destroy old versions, so they remain available. Setting a primary version is not required for rotation, and disabling rotation is contrary.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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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