The answer is that transparent data encryption does not protect against privileged database users. This is because TDE encrypts data at rest on disk but automatically decrypts it when queried by the database engine, meaning any user with database administrator or sysadmin privileges can access the plaintext data directly through normal query operations. On the CISA exam, this question tests your understanding that encryption alone is insufficient for access control, and auditors must recognize that privileged users remain a key risk even when TDE is implemented—a common trap is assuming encryption solves all data protection concerns. A useful memory tip is to remember that TDE stands for “Transparent” because it is invisible to authorized users, including those with elevated privileges, so it cannot block the very people who manage the database.
CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An auditor is reviewing the encryption strategy for a healthcare application that stores protected health information (PHI) in a database. The database currently uses transparent data encryption (TDE). What is a key risk associated with TDE?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It does not protect against privileged database users
TDE generally does not protect data from users with database admin privileges because the decryption occurs at the database level and authorized users can access plaintext. Option A is wrong because performance impact is typically minor. Option C is wrong because key management is a consideration but not the key risk related to user access. Option D is wrong because TDE can be implemented.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
It requires complex key management
Why it's wrong here
Key management is a consideration but not the primary risk related to user access.
✗
It significantly degrades database performance
Why it's wrong here
Performance impact is usually acceptable.
✓
It does not protect against privileged database users
Why this is correct
TDE encrypts data at rest but decrypts when accessed by authorized users, so DBA's can still see data.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
It cannot be used with column-level encryption
Why it's wrong here
TDE can coexist with column-level encryption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISA questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Protection of Information Assets — This question tests Protection of Information Assets — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It does not protect against privileged database users — TDE generally does not protect data from users with database admin privileges because the decryption occurs at the database level and authorized users can access plaintext. Option A is wrong because performance impact is typically minor. Option C is wrong because key management is a consideration but not the key risk related to user access. Option D is wrong because TDE can be implemented.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISA questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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