CISSP Asset Security Practice Question
A data custodian is responsible for implementing controls to protect data. Which TWO of the following are typical responsibilities of a data custodian? (Select 2)
⚠ Common exam trap
CISSP often tests the distinction between data owner and data custodian responsibilities, and candidates frequently confuse policy-level tasks (like classification and retention) with operational tasks (like backups and restoration).
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
✓
Performing regular backups of data
The data custodian handles the day-to-day operational, technical execution of data protection controls, and running scheduled backups is a classic custodial task that enforces the protection decisions made by data owners. Option D (Restoring data from backups when needed) is also correct because recovery operations—retrieving and restoring data from backup media during an incident or data loss event—fall within the custodian's operational remit for maintaining data availability and integrity. By contrast, Option A (Classifying data according to sensitivity), Option B (Defining data usage policies), and Option E (Determining data retention periods) are strategic governance responsibilities belonging to the data owner (or steward), who sets classification, policy, and retention rules that the custodian then implements.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Classifying data according to sensitivity
Why it's wrong here
A data custodian is responsible for the secure storage, transmission, and processing of data, implementing controls based on its classification. However, the actual classification of data, which involves assessing its sensitivity, criticality, and value to the organization, is a strategic responsibility of the data owner. The data owner determines the appropriate classification levels (e.g., public, internal, confidential) to guide the custodian's control implementation.
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Defining data usage policies
Why it's wrong here
Defining data usage policies falls under the purview of the data owner or senior management, as it involves establishing the rules and guidelines for how data can be accessed, processed, and shared within the organization. These policies reflect legal, regulatory, and business requirements. A data custodian's role is to implement technical and procedural controls that enforce these pre-defined policies, not to create the policies themselves.
- ✓
Performing regular backups of data
Why this is correct
Performing regular backups is a primary operational responsibility of a data custodian. This task involves the technical execution of data replication and storage to ensure data availability and recoverability in case of loss or corruption. Custodians are responsible for configuring backup systems, monitoring backup jobs, and verifying the integrity of backup media according to established policies and schedules.
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Restoring data from backups when needed
Why this is correct
Restoring data from backups is a critical operational function directly managed by the data custodian. When data is lost, corrupted, or otherwise unavailable, the custodian is responsible for executing the recovery procedures using the previously created backups. This task ensures business continuity and data integrity, demonstrating the custodian's hands-on role in maintaining data availability.
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Determining data retention periods
Why it's wrong here
Determining data retention periods is a strategic decision typically made by the data owner, often in consultation with legal, compliance, and business stakeholders. These periods are established based on regulatory requirements, legal obligations, and business needs for how long data must be kept. The data custodian's role is to implement and manage the technical mechanisms, such as archiving and deletion processes, to enforce these pre-determined retention policies.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Asset Security: Classification and Handling
Key term
Incident
An incident is a security event that violates an organization's policies or threatens its data, systems, or operations, requiring a structured response.
Key term
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
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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 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.