CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
An organization has implemented a key management program. Which of the following is the MOST critical control for ensuring the security of cryptographic 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
✓
Secure key storage (e.g., HSM)
Secure key storage, such as using a hardware security module (HSM) or key vault, is critical to prevent unauthorized access to keys. Without secure storage, other controls are less effective.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Secure key storage (e.g., HSM)
Why this is correct
Protecting keys from theft is foundational.
- ✗
Key rotation policy
Why it's wrong here
Rotation is important but not as critical as secure storage.
- ✗
Key generation in a secure environment
Why it's wrong here
Generation is one step; storage is ongoing.
- ✗
Key destruction procedures
Why it's wrong here
Destruction is necessary but secondary to storage.
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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.