hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CCSP Practice Question: An Azure application uses a key vault key for…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
$ az keyvault key list --vault-name myVault
[
{
"kid": "https://myVault.vault.azure.net/keys/myKey/abc123",
"attributes": {
"enabled": true,
"created": 1590000000,
"updated": 1590000000
},
"tags": {
"usage": "encryption"
}
}
]
$ openssl s_client -connect myserver.cloudapp.net:443 -servername myserver.cloudapp.net
CONNECTED(00000003)
140735123456:error:14094410:SSL routines:ssl3_read_bytes:sslv3 alert handshake failure:s3_pkt.c:1487:SSL alert number 40
```An Azure application uses a key vault key for client-side encryption of data. The application also communicates with a cloud service over HTTPS. After deploying, the handshake failure occurs. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse client-side encryption (using a key vault key) with transport-layer security (TLS), assuming a key-related issue causes the handshake failure, when in fact the handshake is a separate protocol layer.
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
✓
The client and server do not have a common TLS version or cipher suite
The handshake failure occurs at the transport layer (TLS/SSL), which is independent of client-side encryption using a key vault key. The most likely cause is a mismatch in TLS versions or cipher suites between the client and server, as HTTPS relies on a successful TLS handshake. Options A, B, and D relate to the key vault key's availability or configuration, which would not cause a TLS handshake failure.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The application is using the wrong key version
Why it's wrong here
Key version mismatch would not cause a TLS handshake failure.
- ✗
The key vault key is not accessible due to network restrictions
Why it's wrong here
Network restrictions would cause a different error.
- ✓
The client and server do not have a common TLS version or cipher suite
Why this is correct
Alert 40 indicates handshake failure due to version/cipher mismatch.
- ✗
The key vault key is not enabled for encryption
Why it's wrong here
The key is enabled and tagged for encryption.
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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.