CCSP Cloud Application Security Practice Question
A security auditor is reviewing a cloud application's data encryption strategy. The application stores sensitive data in a cloud database. Which configuration would best ensure data confidentiality in the event of a database dump?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between encryption at rest and column-level encryption, trapping candidates who assume that full database encryption (Option B) protects against all data exposure scenarios, when in fact it does not protect data during a dump because the database engine decrypts it automatically.
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
✓
Column-level encryption using application-managed keys
Column-level encryption with application-managed keys ensures that even if the entire database is dumped, the sensitive columns remain encrypted and unreadable without the keys held by the application. This approach decouples key management from the cloud provider, preventing the provider from accessing the plaintext data and maintaining confidentiality during a breach or dump.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Tokenization of sensitive fields with a separate token vault
Why it's wrong here
Tokenization replaces data with tokens, not encryption.
- ✗
Entire database encryption at rest using cloud provider managed keys
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest protects storage, not logical database dumps.
- ✓
Column-level encryption using application-managed keys
Why this is correct
Column-level encryption protects sensitive data at the database level.
- ✗
Transport layer security for all connections
Why it's wrong here
TLS protects data in transit, not at rest.
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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.