VA-003 Explain encryption as a service Practice Question
Exhibit
$ vault read transit/keys/my-key Key Value --- ----- allow_plaintext_backup false deletion_allowed false derived false exportable false keys map[1:...] latest_version 2 min_available_version 0 min_decryption_version 1 min_encryption_version 0 name my-key supports_encryption true supports_decryption true supports_derivation true supports_key_rotation true type aes256-gcm96
Refer to the exhibit. What does min_decryption_version = 1 indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
HashiCorp often tests the distinction between `min_encryption_version` and `min_decryption_version`; the trap here is confusing which parameter controls encryption versus decryption, leading candidates to incorrectly assume `min_decryption_version` restricts encryption or forces rewrapping.
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
✓
Version 1 is the minimum version that can be used for decryption.
In Vault Enterprise, the `min_decryption_version` parameter on a transit key specifies the lowest key version that is allowed to decrypt existing ciphertext. Setting `min_decryption_version = 1` means that any key version from 1 up to the current version can be used for decryption; version 1 is the minimum allowed. This ensures backward compatibility while allowing newer versions to be used for encryption.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Data encrypted with version 1 can only be decrypted with version 1.
Why it's wrong here
Higher versions can also decrypt if min_decryption_version ≤ version used.
- ✗
Only data encrypted with version 1 or higher can be decrypted.
Why it's wrong here
This is about decryption version, not encryption version.
- ✓
Version 1 is the minimum version that can be used for decryption.
Why this is correct
Decryption requests must use a key version >= min_decryption_version.
- ✗
All ciphertext must be rewrapped to version 1.
Why it's wrong here
Rewrapping is not forced by this parameter.
- ✗
Version 1 keys are not allowed for decryption.
Why it's wrong here
Version 1 is allowed; versions below 1 are not.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This VA-003 practice question is part of Courseiva's free HashiCorp 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 VA-003 exam.