- A
Encryption
Why wrong: Encryption protects data but is not a de-identification transform.
- B
Bucketing
Why wrong: Bucketing groups values but is not a direct de-identification transform for PII.
- C
Pseudonymisation
Pseudonymisation replaces with consistent pseudonyms.
- D
Tokenization
Tokenization replaces with tokens that can be used for analytics.
- E
Masking
Masking obscures sensitive data while preserving format.
Question 738 of 1,000
CCSP Cloud Data Security Practice Question
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of cloud data security. 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.
A company is implementing a DLP strategy to protect PII in cloud storage. They need to discover sensitive data and then apply de-identification transforms. Which THREE de-identification transforms are appropriate for anonymizing PII while maintaining data utility for analytics? (Select THREE.)
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
✓
Pseudonymisation
Masking, tokenization, and pseudonymisation are de-identification transforms that protect PII while preserving some utility. Masking obscures parts of data (e.g., showing only last four digits). Tokenization replaces with tokens that can be mapped back. Pseudonymisation replaces with consistent pseudonyms that are reversible with additional data. Bucketing groups values into ranges, which can be useful but may reduce utility. Encryption is not considered a de-identification transform in DLP context.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Encryption
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects data but is not a de-identification transform.
- ✗
Bucketing
Why it's wrong here
Bucketing groups values but is not a direct de-identification transform for PII.
- ✓
Pseudonymisation
Why this is correct
Pseudonymisation replaces with consistent pseudonyms.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
Tokenization
Why this is correct
Tokenization replaces with tokens that can be used for analytics.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
Masking
Why this is correct
Masking obscures sensitive data while preserving format.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CCSP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CCSP question test?
Cloud Data Security — This question tests Cloud Data Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Pseudonymisation — Masking, tokenization, and pseudonymisation are de-identification transforms that protect PII while preserving some utility. Masking obscures parts of data (e.g., showing only last four digits). Tokenization replaces with tokens that can be mapped back. Pseudonymisation replaces with consistent pseudonyms that are reversible with additional data. Bucketing groups values into ranges, which can be useful but may reduce utility. Encryption is not considered a de-identification transform in DLP context.
What should I do if I get this CCSP question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CCSP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CCSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CCSP exam.
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