Quick Answer
The answer is to compress logs and move them to low-cost archival storage. This is correct because it directly addresses the dual challenge of a seven-year log retention requirement and primary storage capacity limits; compression reduces the data footprint while archival storage (such as cold cloud tiers or tape) provides a cost-effective, compliant medium that preserves log integrity and accessibility for audits. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the data lifecycle and security controls within the Asset Security domain, specifically balancing retention policies with operational constraints—a common trap is choosing to simply delete older logs or upgrade the file server, which either violates compliance or wastes resources. Remember the memory tip: “Compress and archive, don’t delete or upgrade,” as the goal is to meet the seven-year mandate without inflating costs or risking data loss.
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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 required to retain audit logs for seven years due to regulatory compliance. The logs are currently stored on a file server that is approaching capacity. What is the BEST way to manage log storage?
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.
Reduce the logging level to generate less data.
Why wrong: May omit required audit information.
Delete logs older than one year.
Why wrong: Violates seven-year retention requirement.
Increase the frequency of log rotation.
Why wrong: Does not address capacity; may create more files.
Compress logs and move them to low-cost archival storage.
Reduces storage footprint and complies with retention.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Compress logs and move them to low-cost archival storage.
Option D is correct because it balances the seven-year retention requirement with storage constraints by compressing logs (reducing size) and moving them to low-cost archival storage (e.g., cold storage or tape). This preserves data integrity and accessibility for compliance audits while freeing up space on the primary file server.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Reduce the logging level to generate less data.
Why it's wrong here
May omit required audit information.
Delete logs older than one year.
Why it's wrong here
Violates seven-year retention requirement.
Increase the frequency of log rotation.
Why it's wrong here
Does not address capacity; may create more files.
Compress logs and move them to low-cost archival storage.
Why this is correct
Reduces storage footprint and complies with retention.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse operational efficiency (log rotation) with long-term retention, failing to recognize that compliance mandates absolute retention periods that cannot be circumvented by deletion or reduced logging.
Detailed technical explanation
Log compression (e.g., using gzip or bzip2) can achieve 80-90% reduction in size for text-based logs, while archival storage solutions like Amazon S3 Glacier or Azure Blob Storage Archive tier offer low-cost, long-term retention with retrieval times measured in minutes to hours. In practice, organizations often implement a tiered storage strategy: hot storage for recent logs (e.g., 30 days) and cold archival for older logs, with automated lifecycle policies to transition data between tiers.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Compress logs and move them to low-cost archival storage. — Option D is correct because it balances the seven-year retention requirement with storage constraints by compressing logs (reducing size) and moving them to low-cost archival storage (e.g., cold storage or tape). This preserves data integrity and accessibility for compliance audits while freeing up space on the primary file server.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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