CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
An IS auditor is reviewing the key management program for an organization's encryption systems. Which of the following is the MOST critical control to ensure the security of encryption keys?
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
✓
Implementing key rotation at defined intervals
Regular key rotation limits the amount of data compromised if a key is exposed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Storing keys on hardware security modules (HSMs)
Why it's wrong here
HSMs provide secure storage, but rotation is a key lifecycle control.
- ✗
Using strong encryption algorithms
Why it's wrong here
Algorithms are important but separate from key management.
- ✗
Ensuring keys are backed up
Why it's wrong here
Backup is important for availability, but rotation is more critical for security.
- ✓
Implementing key rotation at defined intervals
Why this is correct
Rotating keys reduces the window of exposure if a key is compromised.
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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.