CCSP Cloud Data Security Practice Question
A company uses a cloud KMS with HSM-backed keys for regulatory compliance. They need to allow a cloud service to use a key for encryption while retaining the ability to revoke access at any time. Which TWO key management models satisfy this? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between BYOK and HYOK, where candidates mistakenly think HYOK allows cloud service usage, but HYOK actually keeps the key on-premises and only provides a proxy or token, not direct cloud KMS integration.
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
✓
Bring your own key (BYOK)
BYOK is correct because it allows the customer to import their own key material into the cloud KMS, which is backed by an HSM, and the customer retains full control over the key's lifecycle, including the ability to revoke access at any time by disabling or deleting the key. CMEK is correct because it gives the customer direct management of the key (e.g., rotation, disabling, deletion) within the cloud KMS, while the HSM provides hardware-level protection, and the customer can revoke the cloud service's access by modifying key permissions or disabling the key.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Hold your own key (HYOK)
Why it's wrong here
HYOK keys remain on-premises and are not managed in cloud KMS for service access.
- ✓
Bring your own key (BYOK)
Why this is correct
BYOK keys are managed in cloud KMS and access can be controlled.
- ✗
Customer-supplied keys (CSEK)
Why it's wrong here
CSEK keys are supplied per operation and not stored in KMS for ongoing use.
- ✓
Customer-managed keys (CMEK)
Why this is correct
CMEK gives the customer control over key access.
- ✗
Cloud provider-managed keys
Why it's wrong here
Provider-managed keys do not allow customer revocation.
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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.