The correct choice is to use the HSM’s key-wrapping function to encrypt the key and store the wrapped key in a secure offsite facility. This method is technically superior because key-wrapping, also known as key encryption, leverages a dedicated wrapping key that never leaves the HSM’s tamper-proof boundary, ensuring the target key is never exposed in plaintext during backup. The wrapped key can then be safely stored offsite and later unwrapped only by an authorized HSM, preserving the same cryptographic protection as primary storage. On the CISSP exam, this question tests your understanding of secure key lifecycle management under domain 3 (Security Architecture and Engineering), often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose simple encryption with a user-generated key or plaintext export. Remember the core principle: the wrapping key must remain inside the HSM to maintain the chain of trust. A useful memory tip is “Wrap it to trap it”—if the key leaves the HSM in the clear, you’ve lost the game.
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.
An organization is implementing a hardware security module (HSM) to manage cryptographic keys. The security architect requires that keys be backed up securely and that the backup process ensures the same level of protection as the primary key storage. Which backup method best meets this requirement?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the HSM's key-wrapping function to encrypt the key and store the wrapped key in a secure offsite facility
Option C is correct because key-wrapping (also known as key encryption) uses a dedicated wrapping key within the HSM to encrypt the target key, ensuring the key never leaves the HSM in plaintext. The wrapped key can be safely stored offsite and later unwrapped only by an authorized HSM, preserving the same cryptographic protection as the primary storage. This method aligns with NIST SP 800-57 guidelines for secure key backup and escrow.
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.
✗
Export the key in plaintext and store it in a safe
Why it's wrong here
Plaintext export defeats the purpose of an HSM.
✗
Replicate the HSM configuration to another HSM in a different location
Why it's wrong here
Replication is not a backup; it provides high availability, not an independent backup copy.
✓
Use the HSM's key-wrapping function to encrypt the key and store the wrapped key in a secure offsite facility
Why this is correct
Key wrapping maintains the same cryptographic boundary and offsite storage provides redundancy.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Store an encrypted copy on a local server in the same data center
Why it's wrong here
Local storage does not protect against site-wide disasters.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume replication (Option B) is secure because it uses another HSM, but they overlook that replication often transmits keys in the clear or with weaker protection, failing to meet the 'same level of protection' requirement.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Key-wrapping in HSMs typically uses symmetric algorithms like AES Key Wrap (RFC 3394) or asymmetric methods where a public key encrypts the target key. The wrapping key itself is often derived from a master key stored within the HSM's secure enclave, ensuring that only an authorized HSM with the same master key can unwrap the backup. In real-world deployments, organizations often use a key escrow service where wrapped keys are stored in a secure offsite vault, and the HSM's master key is split using Shamir's Secret Sharing to prevent single-person access.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
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: Use the HSM's key-wrapping function to encrypt the key and store the wrapped key in a secure offsite facility — Option C is correct because key-wrapping (also known as key encryption) uses a dedicated wrapping key within the HSM to encrypt the target key, ensuring the key never leaves the HSM in plaintext. The wrapped key can be safely stored offsite and later unwrapped only by an authorized HSM, preserving the same cryptographic protection as the primary storage. This method aligns with NIST SP 800-57 guidelines for secure key backup and escrow.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "primary". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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