- A
Virtual Trusted Platform Module (vTPM)
Why wrong: vTPM is software-based and does not provide hardware root of trust.
- B
Hardware Security Module (HSM)
HSM provides hardware-based key management and cryptographic operations.
- C
Software Guard Extensions (SGX)
Why wrong: SGX is a type of TEE, but the question asks for THREE technologies; TEE already includes SGX.
- D
Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)
TEE provides isolated execution and secure storage.
- E
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
TPM provides secure key storage and attestation.
Question 900 of 1,000
CISSP Security Architecture and Engineering Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security architecture and engineering. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is designing a secure application that requires hardware-based key storage and remote attestation. Which THREE technologies provide hardware root of trust? Select three.
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
✓
Hardware Security Module (HSM)
TPM, TEE (e.g., Intel SGX, ARM TrustZone), and HSM provide hardware-based security functions and root of trust.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Virtual Trusted Platform Module (vTPM)
Why it's wrong here
vTPM is software-based and does not provide hardware root of trust.
- ✓
Hardware Security Module (HSM)
Why this is correct
HSM provides hardware-based key management and cryptographic operations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Software Guard Extensions (SGX)
Why it's wrong here
SGX is a type of TEE, but the question asks for THREE technologies; TEE already includes SGX.
- ✓
Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)
Why this is correct
TEE provides isolated execution and secure storage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Why this is correct
TPM provides secure key storage and attestation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Security Architecture and Engineering — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Security Architecture and Engineering — This question tests Security Architecture and Engineering — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Hardware Security Module (HSM) — TPM, TEE (e.g., Intel SGX, ARM TrustZone), and HSM provide hardware-based security functions and root of trust.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.
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