easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
CCSP Practice Question: Ensure that data stored in the cloud is securely…
A company needs to ensure that data stored in the cloud is securely deleted when no longer needed. Which TWO of the following are secure deletion methods? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between logical deletion (e.g., deleting metadata) and secure deletion, and candidates mistakenly choose 'deleting file metadata' because they confuse it with secure file deletion in operating systems, ignoring that cloud storage APIs do not guarantee physical block erasure.
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
✓
Cryptographic erasure (destroying encryption keys)
Cryptographic erasure renders data unrecoverable by securely destroying the encryption keys used to encrypt the data at rest. Without the keys, the ciphertext becomes effectively indecipherable, even if the underlying storage blocks remain intact. This method is recognized by NIST SP 800-88 as a valid sanitization technique for cloud environments where physical access to storage is limited.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Cryptographic erasure (destroying encryption keys)
Why this is correct
Without key, encrypted data is unrecoverable.
- ✗
Deleting the file metadata
Why it's wrong here
Data may still exist on disk.
- ✓
Multiple overwrite of the storage blocks
Why this is correct
Overwriting makes original data unrecoverable.
- ✗
Wiping the swap space
Why it's wrong here
Does not affect primary storage.
- ✗
Degaussing the storage medium
Why it's wrong here
Degaussing is for magnetic media, not typical cloud storage.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.