CCSP Cloud Data Security Practice Question
A startup is using a cloud-based SaaS CRM to store customer contact information. The security policy requires that data be encrypted both in transit and at rest. The SaaS provider states that it encrypts data in transit using TLS and at rest using AES-256. What should the startup do to verify these claims?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that technical testing like packet capture can fully verify a provider's encryption at rest, when only independent audits provide comprehensive assurance.
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
✓
Request the provider's SOC 2 Type II report and review the encryption controls.
Independent audit reports such as SOC 2 Type II are designed to provide assurance about a service provider's controls, including encryption. They cover both in-transit and at-rest encryption and are based on evidence gathered by auditors. This is the standard method for verifying a SaaS provider's security claims without requiring direct access to their systems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Request the provider's SOC 2 Type II report and review the encryption controls.
Why this is correct
A SOC 2 Type II report provides an independent auditor's opinion on the effectiveness of the provider's controls over a period, including encryption. Reviewing it verifies that the provider's claims about TLS and AES-256 are accurate and consistently applied. This is the appropriate way to gain assurance without direct access to the provider's infrastructure.
- ✗
Use a network sniffer to capture traffic between the startup and the SaaS provider.
Why it's wrong here
Capturing traffic can confirm that TLS is used for data in transit, but it does not verify encryption at rest. Moreover, the startup cannot inspect the provider's storage. This method provides only partial and potentially misleading assurance, and may violate terms of service.
- ✗
Perform a penetration test against the SaaS provider's application.
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing without authorization is illegal and unethical. Even with authorization, a pen test assesses vulnerabilities but does not provide ongoing assurance that encryption is correctly implemented for all data. It is not the right method to verify the provider's encryption claims.
- ✗
Ask the provider to send the encryption keys so the startup can decrypt data.
Why it's wrong here
The provider should never share encryption keys; doing so would compromise the security of all customers. This request is inappropriate and would not verify encryption at rest. It also violates security best practices. The startup should rely on independent audits instead.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.