CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
An organization is implementing a public key infrastructure (PKI) to support digital certificates. Which of the following is the MOST critical control to ensure the integrity of the certificate lifecycle?
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
✓
Establishment of a certificate policy (CP) and certification practice statement (CPS)
A robust certificate policy (CP) and certification practice statement (CPS) define the rules and procedures for certificate management, ensuring consistency and security. Other controls are important but are defined within the CP/CPS.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use of hardware security modules for key generation
Why it's wrong here
HSMs are important but are a technical control, not the overarching governance.
- ✗
Regular publication of certificate revocation lists (CRLs)
Why it's wrong here
CRLs are important but are part of the lifecycle defined by policy.
- ✓
Establishment of a certificate policy (CP) and certification practice statement (CPS)
Why this is correct
The CP and CPS provide the framework for all PKI operations.
- ✗
Secure storage of the root CA private key
Why it's wrong here
Secure storage is crucial but is a component of the overall policy.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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