CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
An IS auditor is evaluating the encryption strategy for a healthcare organization subject to HIPAA. Which of the following is the MOST significant risk if the organization relies solely on encryption as a safe harbor?
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
✓
Encryption keys are stored on the same server as the encrypted data.
Encryption safe harbor only applies if encryption meets specific standards; gaps in key management can invalidate safe harbor.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Encryption keys are stored on the same server as the encrypted data.
Why this is correct
If keys are co-located, encryption can be easily bypassed, and safe harbor may not apply.
- ✗
The encryption algorithm used is not FIPS 140-2 validated.
Why it's wrong here
While FIPS validation is important, key management is a more fundamental risk.
- ✗
Encryption is not applied to all ePHI in transit.
Why it's wrong here
HIPAA requires encryption of ePHI in transit; this would be a compliance gap, but the question focuses on safe harbor risk.
- ✗
The encryption key rotation policy is not documented.
Why it's wrong here
Documentation is important, but operational key storage is a greater risk.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA exam.