CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
An organization is implementing a key management program to protect encryption keys. Which of the following is the MOST important control to ensure 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
✓
Storing keys in a hardware security module (HSM)
Using a hardware security module (HSM) provides tamper-resistant storage and management of keys, which is the most important control for key security. Other controls are important but secondary.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Separating key management duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties is important but does not directly protect the keys from compromise.
- ✓
Storing keys in a hardware security module (HSM)
Why this is correct
HSMs provide physical and logical protection for keys.
- ✗
Regular key rotation
Why it's wrong here
Key rotation limits exposure but does not protect keys at rest.
- ✗
Encrypting keys with a master key
Why it's wrong here
Key encryption is useful but the master key must be protected, often in an HSM.
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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.